05.11.2024

Independence Day Torch Parade in Joensuu on 6.12.2024

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) once again has the honour of inviting our student members to celebrate Finland’s independence at our annual Torch Parade on 6 December 2024. The Independence Day Torch Parade is one of our student union’s oldest and most honoured traditions.

You can participate in the 4 pm Parade as a torchbearer or without a torch. ISYY will hand out the torches and instruct the participants at the Haltia building (Yliopistokatu 7), which serves as the starting point of the Parade. Participants are asked to arrive at 3:45 pm latest. We are also serving mulled wine at the Haltia meeting room before the Parade, starting at 3 pm.

The Parade will depart at 4 pm and proceed in police escort through Joensuu centre to the memorial grounds, led by flag bearers and their heralds. After the Parade’s arrival at 4.30 pm, a ceremony will begin. Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir) will perform, a wreath will be laid on the soldiers’ grave, and Noora Saramäki, Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board, will give a speech. Lastly, we will sing the Finnish National Anthem together.

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. With the Parades we honour these sacrifices and celebrate Finland’s independence.
Participating in the Parade does not require a RSVP, and you can join the Parade along the way as well. The Parade is open to everyone, so feel free to bring friends and family with you.

General Instructions for the Participants of the Parade

• Mulled wine is served at the Haltia meeting room before the Parade, starting at 3 pm.
• The Parade will depart at 4 pm. The Finnish flag, the ISYY flag, their heralds and the Chairpersons lead the Parade. From 4 pm to 4.30 pm the Parade will walk through the Joensuu city centre in police escort.
• Please always keep the torch in an upwards position to prevent the tar from dripping and clothes from catching fire. Also remember to keep a safe distance from others.
• The Parade will arrive at the memorial grounds at 4.30 pm. The ceremony starts with a performance from Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir). Next, a wreath is laid on the soldiers’ grave, and we will hear a speech by Noora Saramäki, Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board. The ceremony ends with the Finnish National Anthem everyone can sing along to.

ISYY welcomes you to join us in creating an Independence Day with a student outlook. Do wear warm, neat and preferably dark clothes, and please leave your student overalls home this time!

Do you want to help with organising the parade? We are looking for student volunteers to serve as traffic controllers along the parade route. According to the requirements of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the traffic controllers must be adults who have normal sensory abilities, a driving licence (at least AM121 or B), and hold the Road Safety 1 qualification. The Road Safety 1 qualification can be completed for free through the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) learning platform, and the online course takes about an hour. All necessary equipment for the traffic control task, as well as an event-specific briefing , will be provided at the latest on the day of the parade. Sign up by emailing ISYY’s Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board Noora Saramäki by Sunday 24 November 2024.

Further information:

Noora Saramäki, Vice Chair and Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 576 8410, noora.saramaki(at)isyy.fi

Eveliina Scharin, Community Coordinator, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 491 6529, yk(at)isyy.fi

Page updated 15.11.: information about the choir performance has been removed due to its cancellation.

Page updated 19.11.: The program has been supplemented with the choir performance.