Today is the Independence Day of Finland. As it's winter here, dark and cold, there aren't any carnival type of celebrations, on the contrary, it's all pretty sombre.
There's a military parade, church services, commemorating war veterans, flags up etc. At 6 pm one is supposed to light two candles on each window, and around 7 pm 99 % of the population starts to watch tv, which is showing live coverage of the president's Independence day reception for the diplomats, politicians and other important people. The main fun is to see the dresses ladies are wearing and silly dancing styles. The first two hours is solid parade of people shaking hands with the president and her spouse… And tomorrow all the papers are writing about the dresses, a bit like Oscars, really.
My family has a tradition of baking ginger bread biscuits and other christmas goodies, and then eating some of it at the front of the tv.
Anyway, this must be one of the most peculiar ways to celebrate your country, how do you celebrate your country's national day?
July 1st. Canada Day
Fireworks, BBQs, long weekend so a lot of people go up north to cottages or camping.
There is always a big concert/party/firework show at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Most cities have their own fireworks shows, and a lot of families/neighbours have their own as well. But my neighbourhood always did that on Victoria Day, May 24th instead.
