BB FANS

Businesses Close for Independence Day
Published 05.12.2005, 09.40 (updated 05.12.2005, 09.45)

Tuesday, December 6 is celebrated as Independence Day, marking 88 years since Finland declared independence from Russia. The holiday brings alterations to business opening hours and public transport.

The annual military parade to mark the occasion will be held in Lahti this year, and there will be a number of smaller events all around the country.

The focus of attention in the evening is the traditional reception at the President's palace in Helsinki, bringing together thousands of notables from around the country. The ball has been televised since the late 1950s, and Tuesday's coverage is expected to attract an audience of about two million.

Most grocery stores are closed on Tuesday, as are banks, post offices, and sales outlets of the alcohol retail monopoly Alko. On Monday most stores are open normally, but Alko shops close at 6:00 PM.

Long distance trains operate on normal schedules, with a few exceptions, which can be found on the VR State Railways website.

On Independence Day, local trains operate on Sunday schedules.

Long-distance buses are also on Sunday schedules on Tuesday. Information is available from Matkahuolto.

Helsinki City Transport observes Sunday schedules on Tuesday. On Monday evening, there will be a number of additional late-night services.

I hope all you enjoy a happy Independence Day Maria

Thanks Madeline! Men from my family are watching the old Finnish film (made 1955 and it's black and white) which is called "The Unkown Soldier" (based on a book that has written author Väinö Linna) at the moment and my hb was in the morning at shooting range with his friends. We'll light at 6 p.m two candles to every window and I guess that I'll be watching traditional reception at President's Palace from TV! (Those terrible dresses and costumes people wear there) Other moments of today we've spend with our children indoors and outdoors in a lovely winter weather.