Independence Day is celebrated in Vaasa - activities for families: puppet theatre and workshops

The Independence Day event for families with children will be held on Friday, 6 December 2024, from 14 to 16 at Vaasa City Hall. The event, organised over the past two years, has become a popular favourite among families with children in Vaasa. The children’s event programme includes puppet theatre and workshops.

Nukketeatteri-Annos will perform the play Hölmöläisten hommaa (‘Simpleton business’) at 14.00, 14.45, and 15.30 in the ballroom at the City Hall. The play combines the beloved ‘Hölmöläiset’, or ‘Simpletons’, folktales with the world of silent films. The performance brings the most famous ‘Hölmölä’ stories to life in a new way through puppetry and clowning, using wordless physical expression. During the performance, the audience will also have the chance to watch the construction of a wooden Hölmölä house. Nukketeatteri-Annos is a touring theatre company, known for its emphasis on visual elements and physical expression. The performance is suitable for children aged 3 and over, and for audiences of all languages.

The event will feature two different workshops from 14 to 16.  Come along and draw or create a place that is special and important to you or your family. We all have a place where we feel at home, safe and comfortable. The workshop My Place in Finland is organized by Cooperative 3E. At the medal workshop My Superpower we are making a medal together, lifting your child´s superpower and strength.

The event is open to all, free of charge, and will include a juice service. The event is organised by the city’s Culture and Library Services.

Independence Day programme on 6 December 2024 in Vaasa

The traditional Independence Day programme will be organised at the war heroes’ graves, Vaasa Church and the War Veteran Museum.

• kl. 7.30 Candles are lit at the gravesof war heroes.
• 9.00 Flag-raising ceremony at the Kasarmintori heritage wall.
• 10.00 Bilingual Independence Day service in Vaasa Church. After the church service, a short speech to the wreath-laying delegations.
• 11.00 Independence Day service at Vähäkyrö Church. Wreath-laying. Refreshments at the parish hall approx.
• 11.30  Wreath-laying at the memorials in Vaasa Cemetery.
• 12.00–14.00 The War Veteran Museum is open to the public (Kirkkopuistikko 22 A).
• 14.00–16.00  Independence Day event for families with children at Vaasa City Hall.
• 16.00  Service in Finnish at Vaasa Church.
• 16.45  Torchlight procession of university students (starting from Culture House Fanny along Raastuvankatu to the Statue of Liberty on the Market Square).
• 17.00  The traditional Independence Day greeting by student unions at the Statue of Liberty. Choir performances (Wasa Sångargille and Pohjan Miehet).

The Independence Day programme and up-to-date information can be found online at: www.vaasa.fi/itsenaisyyspaiva.