Finland's Independence Day (in Finnish Itsenäisyyspäivä) is a national public holiday held on December 6 to celebrate Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian empire. The festivities usually commence with the raising of the flag on Tähtitorni hill, in Helsinki. There is usually also a religious service at the Helsinki Cathedral, followed by a gala reception for approximately 2000 invited guests at the Presidential Palace. This event is broadcast on TV, and while it glues many Finns to the TV set, the reception invariably attracts the attentions of demonstrators, supportive of various causes.
The Finnish Defence Forces arrange a parade in one or other of the garrison cities. In 2005, the parade was in Lahti, Southern Finland
It is traditional for Finnish families to light two candles in the windows of their home in the evening.
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