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Frequently asked questions about the Independence Day reception

Events, such as banquets for state visits, are held in the Hall of State, the place for President Trump's and President Putin's press conference at #HELSINKI2018. Completed in 1907, the hall was inspired by St George’s Hall in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The Lex statue (1919) by Walter Runeberg is a plaster copy of the Lex section of the statue of Alexander II in Senate Square. Photo: Soile Tirilä / The Finnish National Board of Antiquities

Events, such as banquets for state visits, are held in the Hall of State, the place for President Trump's and President Putin's press conference at #HELSINKI2018. Completed in 1907, the hall was inspired by St George’s Hall in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The Lex statue (1919) by Walter Runeberg is a plaster copy of the Lex section of the statue of Alexander II in Senate Square. Photo: Soile Tirilä / The Finnish National Board of Antiquities

Who is invited to the Independence Day reception? Who can be taken as a ‘plus-one’? What is the dress code for the reception? What about medals and decorations? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the reception.

When do guests arrive at the reception? Should I bring the invitation card?

  • The time marked on the invitation card indicates the estimated greeting time. Guests should arrive at the Presidential Palace 15 minutes before the time marked on the invitation card
  • The outside doors open for the first guests at around 6.30 pm
  • Guests must present the invitation card and photo ID upon arrival
  • Gifts cannot, unfortunately, be brought to the Presidential Palace
  • There is no parking at the Presidential Palace

Who is invited to the Independence Day reception?

  • The Independence Day reception is an event hosted by the President of the Republic of Finland and his spouse, who decide each year on the invited guests
  • Among the guests are Finns from different from different sectors of society, who have distinguished themselves in some way or another and persons whom the Presidential couple have met in the course of the year
  • Invited guests are over 18 years old
  • This year 2022 the Presidential couple has invited Independence Day honorary guests, war veterans and members of the women’s voluntary civil defence organization Lotta Svärd, to a special ceremony the week before Independence Day

Who can be taken as a ‘plus-one’?

  • The invitation is always personal, even for the spouse. The invitation must show the name of both the main guest and the spouse for entry to be granted
  • If you have received an invitation and you have a spouse but their name does not appear on the invitation, please contact the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
  • An invited guest may bring an assistant, if necessary. This has to be agreed separately with the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland. An assistant also needs an invitation card

What is the dress code for the reception? What about medals and decorations?

  • The dress code for the reception is formal, that is, long evening dress, national costume, white tie and tails, dark suit or uniform corresponding to formal dress. A tuxedo is not worn at the Independence Day reception
  • Original-size medals or decorations or miniature versions may be worn with formal attire. In a dark suit and national costume, men may only wear original decorations. Women may, however, wear miniature decorations. The national costume ‘helavyö’ knife may not be worn in the Presidential Palace
  • It is recommended that Finnish decorations be worn. For more detailed instructions on the wearing of medals and decorations, see A Guide to the Orders and Decorations of Finland and the website of the Chancery of the Orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland

What do I say while greeting? Who greets the Presidential couple first?

  • When greeting the Presidential couple, guests are only expected to present themselves by saying their first and last names, without any other greetings or words. Couples may decide for themselves who greets the Presidential couple first
  • Heralds and cadets will provide advice and assistance to guests during the reception. Heralds are identified by their blue and white sashes
  • Serving begins when the first guests have greeted the Presidential couple. Savoury and sweet snacks are served

Can I take photos at the Presidential Palace?

  • Photography is allowed, but please take the other guests into consideration as well as the distinguished nature of the reception. Photography in the greeting queue is not permitted, for example
  • For safety reasons, photography is not permitted from the Hall of State and Atrium galleries because of the risk that devices may fall

How will health security be taken into account during the reception?

  • In addition to the smaller number of guests than usual, health security will be taken into account also in other arrangements for the reception
  • Guests are asked not to attend if they feel ill, they have symptoms that suggest COVID-19 infection or they are exposed to COVID-19 infection
  • Presidential Palace’s ventilation has been enhanced during the reception, air purifiers and hand sanitizers have been placed to areas that are at the guests’ disposal, and face masks are also available
  • The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland always follows the current COVID-19 recommendations and restrictions
  • More information on health security will be provided closer to Independence Day
Tags Independence DayIndependence Day reception