Celebrating Finland's Independence

Today we celebrate our independence day in Finland – which, I must say, I one of my favorite holidays when going towards Christmas and New Year!
 

Over the years, it has become a tradition for me to go to the Tampere-talo to "Patriotic Festivities", to listen men’s choir “Mieskuoro Laulajat”, which is a day before the Independence Day. Going there has become a huge part of my celebration of Finland’s Independence Day!

I woke up early and got myself ready and I still had time! What a rare and remarkable feeling... I was at Tampere-talo earlier than arranged, but soon I started to find familiar people.

This year the choir had a new conductor, less singers and the whole concert was a bit different – but I think it was better in its own way! 

For the last four songs a senior choir group ”Seniorikuoro Konkelot” came on stage to sing with the other choir. Both of the choirs’ voices matched so well with each other! Finally also the “Eagles Brass Band” (Tampereen Kotkien Puhallinorkesteri) came to play the song ”Finlandia”” which is one of my favorite songs of all times and is an important piece of my own celebration of Finland’s Independende Day!

I had not received any kind of invitation to upstairs for an after party that takes place after the concert, but one thing lead to another and there I was sitting at the table chatting with the other people. It felt so good to see people I still remember from my childhood and catch up with them! 

There was a buffet where also I, as a vegetarian, could find something to eat. That is always nice... There were music, singing and dancing and the time went by so fast! Too fast. The clock was near midnight when my dad escorted me into a taxi and I went home. I had such a great feeling from the whole night and I was so full energy that I could not even think of going to sleep just yet! 

Today I slept late and later on the evening we started to watch The Independence Day’s reception and drank sparkling wine. 

We didn’t make anything fancy for food but even it was just pizza, it was self-made and that made it so damn good... After that we watched the after party of The Independence Day’s reception. I’m very proud to be Finnish and even I’m happy about our independence every day it is always great that on one particular day is dedicated to celebrate it!