Mayor’s Independence Day Reception

The City of Helsinki has held an Independence Day Reception for 4th graders in Finlandia Hall since 1987. The event is hosted by the Mayor of Helsinki and brings together the entire age group of 10-year-olds in the city. The receptions have traditionally been arranged in stages on the same day at several different events, which have been attended by around 6,000 children. The Mayor’s Independence Day Celebration is part of the Helsinki City comprehensive schools’ cultural path, which is based on the curriculum’s cultural, arts, and cultural heritage education.

The next receptions will be held on 1 December 2026 at Finlandia Hall.

The Mayor’s Independence Day Reception is held by the City of Helsinki, with Helsinki Events Foundation responsible for the production side.

What about the dress code and preparations for the reception?

Dances will be practiced in schools throughout the autumn and schools will also review arrival at the reception and other general practicalities. Children can dress formally for the occasion according to their own style and taste. You can also borrow or buy a recycled outfit.

Where and when will I get more detailed instructions concerning my own child’s attendance at the reception?

Instructions for attending the celebration will be sent to schools during the autumn, well in advance of the event, and teachers will inform parents and guardians.

Can guardians and other outsiders follow the event?

Because of the large number of attendees, guardians cannot be invited to follow the event. This also applies to other outsiders. However, the reception can be viewed on the Helsinki Channel.

Will photos be taken at the reception? Is there anywhere I can get photos of the occasion?

Photographs may also be taken during the Independence Day celebration. This will be agreed in advance with selected classes, and parental consent for photographing the children will be obtained through the school. The photographs may be published, for example, on the City of Helsinki’s social media channels. The celebration can be watched live or later as a recording at Helsinki Channel.

How are groups with special needs taken into account at the Mayor’s Independence Day Reception?

Groups of children with special needs get to greet the Mayor before other groups. A separate entrance is reserved for them and efforts are made to ensure that the greeting queue is as short as possible for these groups. Efforts are made to leave plenty of space at the reception venue and places are reserved where children with special needs can relax and arrange to meet with a teacher, other adult or a familiar pupil. There are plenty of guides at the reception venue to assist with mobility and guide pupils where needed.

A pleasant and safe party for everyone

The Mayor’s Independence Day Reception follows the principles of a safer space, and everyone is welcome to celebrate as their authentic self. We strive to ensure the event is free from inappropriate behavior, and we expect both the event staff and guests to commit to safer space principles and to maintaining a positive party spirit.

Principles of a safer space:
– Respect everyone’s personal space and self-determination.
– Do not make assumptions about others based on their appearance, for example, and do not belittle, discriminate against, or mock anyone through your words, behavior, or actions.
– Give everyone a turn to speak and the opportunity to participate in the conversation. Listen and learn from other people’s perspectives.
– Intervene, if possible, if you witness inappropriate behavior. Give and receive feedback constructively.
– Apologize if you have intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone.

If you observe discrimination, harassment, or other inappropriate behavior, please inform the event staff immediately or contact the Helsinki Events Foundation via email at yhdenvertaisuus@eventshelsinki.fi or anonymously using the form.

Emails are read by CEO Sami Ylisaari, and forms are managed by Administrative Manager Piia Lääveri.