The tradition of citizenship ceremonies was launched in Helsinki during Finland’s centennial year in 2017. Photo from 2023 by Riikka Kyläheiko
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The City of Helsinki will celebrate residents who gained Finnish citizenship in 2023 with a citizenship ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday, 10 December. Hundreds of guests are expected to attend the event, which marks a significant milestone for the city’s new citizens. This tradition began in 2017 during Finland’s centennial year.
The ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Juhana Vartiainen, who will deliver the opening speech.
“New citizens are welcome both in Helsinki and throughout Finland. Our annual citizenship celebration is a joyous occasion to mark this milestone in our guests’ lives. It is also an excellent way to strengthen inclusion and celebrate our community and society as a whole,” Vartiainen said.
The programme will include a toast, a speech by a new citizen, and musical performances. Artists Yoandy Jimeno, Nieminen & Litmanen, and vocalist Charlotta Kerbs will provide entertainment during the evening.
Invitations were sent to 1,910 new adult citizens, with approximately 360 people registering for the event. Due to privacy restrictions, invitations could not be sent to individuals with a direct marketing ban.
The event will take place in the City Hall’s banquet hall from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Mayor Vartiainen’s speech scheduled for 6:10 PM. Media representatives are requested to arrive by 5:45 PM through the main entrance at Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13. Interviews with the mayor and guests can be arranged with consent.
The citizenship ceremony reflects Helsinki’s commitment to inclusion and community, providing an opportunity to celebrate and welcome the city’s newest citizens.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
