Reception of the centenary of Finland’s independence and the New Year on 31 December

This year’s New Year’s celebration at the Cathedral Square in Turku will be particularly joyous, as the event will also usher in the centenary of Finland’s independence. In addition to the traditional programme, the evening will also feature more entertaining elements. The audience will be taken on a 100-year journey through time and given a peak at the upcoming Finland 100 events.

In accordance with the centenary’s theme ‘Together’, the public will also be able to participate in organising events and performances. The event will feature tasters of the programme for the upcoming centenary and, of course, other surprise entertainment.

At the Cathedral Square

6.30–8pm A 100-year journey through time, community karaoke, a candle-lit procession, ball pit rock, sail dance and pom-pom dance. A thousand pom-poms will be distributed. The early evening will culminate in a fire art and pyrotechnic show by SirkusUnioni.
8–10.30pm The movie Joulutarina (Christmas Story) on a giant screen, Christmas music and taster videos of upcoming Finland 100 events.
10.30–11.30pm Dance, singing, videos and a spectacular fire show. You can also take a greeting photo in front of a photo backdrop.
11pm Hour of devotion at Turku Cathedral

Speech by Pastor Tiina-Kaisa Honkasalo; Cantor Jukka Pietilä; ensemble from the Navy Band; and male voice choir Mieskuoro Laulun Ystävät, led by Juha Järvinen.

11.30pm New Year’s reception on the steps of Turku Cathedral

Finlandia hymn, the Finland 100 grand choir led by Juha Järvinen. Speeches: Dean Heimo Rinne and Seppo Lehtinen, Chair of the City Council. Community singing: hymn 170, 1 and 4; and Maamme anthem, 1st verse in Finnish, 1st verse in Swedish, 2nd verse in Finnish.

12 midnight Firework display launched from Samppalinnanmäki

Children’s New Year Celebration at Kupittaa 31 December

An event for the whole family with free admission.

3pm Sports Wonderland for Kids and a snow workshop at Kupittaa Sports Hall
4pm Mimi and Kuku perform at the Sports Hall
6pm Firework display for children at Pyhän Henrikin aukio

Keywords: 
new year´s eve