Helsinki Day has been celebrated since 1959 in honour of the city's birthday on 12 June. The city is full of free, open events organised by associations, companies, societies, organisations and active residents. This year, Helsinki turns 471. Helsinki Mayor Jan Vapaavuori’s video with an invitation to everyone to join the Helsinki Day celebrations!
This year, the birthday of Helsinki is celebrated through COVID-safe Helsinki Day actions. Helsinki-based actors were able to propose creative actions concerning the urban environment, nature or arts, which bring joy around the city without bringing together large crowds. The actions to be carried out during the day were chosen in a public vote.
Other Helsinki Day traditions are, for example, the designation of Stadin Kundi and Stadin Friidu and the celebration of the Helsinki Day baby. The city awarding its accolades and medals is also a part of the Helsinki Day celebrations. The mayor and the deputy mayors present golden Helsinki medals to ten distinguished residents from different areas of society. The city also awards Helsinki residents who have earned credit in culture, arts and science. This year, the Helsinki Day reception is arranged as a hybrid event, which all city residents can watch on the Helsinki Channel on 12 June starting at 17.30.
The entire Helsinki Day programme at helsinkipaiva.fi
