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News, 12/7/2007

The President’s Independence Day Reception on 6 December 2007

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi held the traditional Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace on Thursday 6 December 2007. As in previous years, invitations had been sent to all members of the Government, Members of Parliament, the Finnish Members of the European Parliament, senior civil servants and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Finland. Also among the guests were Finns who have distinguished themselves in some way or another and persons whom the President and Dr Arajärvi have met in the course of the past year. About 1,900 guests were invited in all.


The Presidential Couple dances in the State Hall. Copyright © The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Finnish independence, and this was also reflected in the guests that have been invited. Invitations were sent to several people who have participated in the building of Finland's welfare and building Finnish identity during the decades. There were also be representatives of new and old minorities among the guests. Finns living abroad were taken into consideration by inviting expatriate Finnish media representatives to follow the reception. Representatives of art and culture also reflected
the Sibelius anniversary.

Guests at the reception were served a traditional buffet. Dishes represented Finnish food culture from different regions. This year, the selection and preparation of food products was made in co-operation with the Finnish Chefs Association. The buffet included layer loaves, pies, pasties and other savouries as well as cakes, and biscuits. To drink there was fair trade coffee, organic tea, Palace Punch, wine, beer and soft drinks. There were about 150 blue and white flower arrangements decorating the Palace and many of the flowers were from Kultaranta, the President’s summer residence.


The Guard´s Band´s Combo ensemble performed in the State Hall with Antti Koivula as vocal soloist. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Background music during the hand-shaking ceremony and later on dance music in the State Hall was provided by the Guards' Band. The band was conducted by Chief Conductor of the Finnish Defence Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Harri Saksa, Chief of the Guards Band, Major Elias Seppälä, and Senior Lieutenant Sami Hannula. The Guards’ Band's Combo ensemble performed in the State Hall with Antti Koivula as vocal soloist.

As in previous years, there was jazz music in the Yellow Salon on the third floor of the Palace. This year music was provided by Pori Jazz All Stars, which consists of Olli Ahvenlahti (piano), Ted Curson (trumpet and vocal), Jyrki Kangas (bass) and Reiska Laine (drums). The line-up was completed by jazz singer Kirsti Alho.

History of the Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace

Photos of the Reception

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Updated 12/22/2007

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