Itsenäisyyspäivän soihtukulkue // Independence Day Torch Parade (Joensuu)

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) once again has the honour of inviting our student members to celebrate Finland’s independence at our annual Torch Parade on 6 December 2026. The Independence Day Torch Parade is one of our student union’s oldest and most honoured traditions. You can participate in the 4 pm Parade as a torchbearer or without a torch. ISYY will hand out the torches and instruct the participants at the Aurora building (Yliopistokatu 2), which serves as the starting point of the Parade. Participants are asked to arrive at 3.30 pm. The Parade will depart at 4 pm and proceed through Joensuu centre to the memorial grounds, led by flag bearers and their heralds. After the Parade’s arrival at 4.30 pm, a ceremony will begin. Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir) will perform, a wreath will be laid on the soldiers’ grave, and Emilia Kivikoski, Chair of the ISYY Executive Board, will give a speech. Lastly, we will sing the Finnish National Anthem together. After the Torch Parade there will be mulled wine served at Vispiläkauppa. Participants will get the mulled wine -tickets to Vispiläkauppa from the starting point, Aurora (Yliopistokatu 2), before the departure of the Parade. The Parades are not political events or manifestations. The remembrance of the sacrifices made in the Finnish wars during the Second World War is very present during the Finnish Independence Day celebration. With the Parades we honour these sacrifices and celebrate Finland’s independence. Participating in the Parade does not require a RSVP, and you can join the Parade along the way as well. The Parade is open to everyone, so feel free to bring friends and family with you. General Instructions for the Participants of the Parade The Parade will depart at 4 pm. The Finnish flag, the ISYY flag, their heralds and the Chairpersons lead the Parade. From 4 pm to 4.30 pm the Parade will walk through the Joensuu city centre. Please always keep the torch in an upwards position to prevent the tar from dripping and clothes from catching fire. Also remember to keep a safe distance from others. The Parade will arrive at the memorial grounds at 4.30 pm. The ceremony starts with a performance from Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir). Next, a wreath is laid on the soldiers’ grave, and we will hear a speech by Emilia Kivikoski, Chair of the ISYY Executive Board. The ceremony ends with the Finnish National Anthem everyone can sing along to. ISYY welcomes you to join us in creating an Independence Day with a student outlook. Do wear warm, neat and preferably dark clothes, and please leave your student overalls and student association’s flag home this time! Read more on ISYY's website (isyy.fi ↗) (isyy.fi ↗)