15.11.2022

Independence Day Torch Parade in Kuopio on 6.12.2022

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) has the honor to invite all students to the Independence Day Torch Parade on 6.12.2022 in Kuopio. The Torch Parade is one of the oldest and most respected traditions of the Student Union.

The parade starts at the Sotku (Sotilaskoti, Suokatu 42), where students are asked to arrive at the latest at 5.45 pm. Representatives of the local student associations will be carrying their own pennants.

The parade will depart at 6 pm, we stop to lay a wreath on the soldiers’ grave and, finally, we arrive at the town square. The chair of the Student Union, Emilia Honkanen, will give a speech at the town square, followed by the Finnish National Anthem.

After the Torch Parade we will go to drink some mulled wine to Apteekkari. Participants will get the mulled wine -tickets to Apteekkari from the starting point, Sotku (Suokatu 42), before the departure of the parade. 

The Parades are not political events or manifestations. The remembrance of the sacrifices made in the Finnish wars during the Second World War is very present during the Finnish Independence Day celebration. In parades we honour the sacrifices and celebrate the independence in Finland.

General Instructions for the Participants of the Parade

• The parade will leave at 6 pm heading towards the City Hall. The Finnish flag, the ISYY flag, the KYY flag, the heralds and the chairmen lead the parade.
• Please keep the torches always in an upwards position so the lamp oil will not drip, and you will not get yourself or someone else burned. Also remember to keep a safe distance from others because of the fire.
• As the parade reaches Sankaripuisto, the parade will stay still as the flag carriers, heralds and the chairmen enter the graveyard. The remaining parade will stay put facing the graveyard where the Finnish flag is located. After the wreath has been placed on the grave, the flag carriers will return to the parade and the participants (men) will take their hats off and have a one-minute silence.
• After this, the parade will continue its way to the City Hall where it will stop in front of it. The flag carriers, the heralds and the chairmen will go the steps of the City Hall as the rest of the parade will stay still facing the City Hall. The speaker will hold a speech and everyone will sing the national anthem of Finland. After this, the parade will make its way to the back of the City Hall where the torches will be returned to ISYY’s Executive Board members.
• After the parade we will enjoy some warm mulled wine at Apteekkari. The participants will get their mulled wine -tickets before the departure of the parade from Vuorikatu 42.

ISYY welcomes you to join us in creating an Independence Day with a student outlook, but please leave your student overalls home this time!

Best Wishes,
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)

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More Information

Jimi Virkkala, Chair of the Kuopio Campus Board, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. 044 576 8404, jimi.virkkala(at)isyy.fi

Remo Saaristo, Specialist for Organisational Affairs, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. 044 576 8419, jarjestoasiantuntija(at)isyy.fi