Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter

Celebrate Finnish Culture Day with stories, music, and traditions inspired by Finland’s national epic, right here in Seattle at ! 🇫🇮

Feb 28 · 1–2 PM — Kalevala Lecture Kickoff with Marita Toivonen
Myths, heroes & live rune singing + light reception

April 9 · 6 PM — Folk Dancing Demo & Workshop

April 18 · 1 PM — Kantele Performance & Workshop

April 23 · 6 PM — Finnish Choral Society Concert

Come experience the legends of Väinämöinen and the living traditions of Finland through music, dance, and community.

Kiitos, thank you! 💙🤍

We are beyond grateful for an unforgettable evening celebrating 108 years of Finnish Independence at the National Nordic Museum. Thank you to our wonderful guests, generous sponsors, donors, speakers, volunteers, photographers, and our amazing band Pirske. This community fills each year with joy, culture, and connection. Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää! 🇫🇮

The evening began in The Fjord with welcome drinks, rye bread and herring, a Finnish Choir performance, raffle kickoff, and complimentary portraits by Olli Tumelius. We then joined for the National Anthems led by Maria Männistö, welcoming remarks by Kristiina Hiukka, and a special Independence Day message from the President of Finland.

Mikko Männistö delivered the FFSC President’s Address, including Veterans Recognition, followed by a celebratory toast from Honorary Consul Matti Suokko honoring 25 years of service. Students from the Finnish School of Seattle presented “What is independence?” before dinner, followed by a keynote from Mårten Mickos and My Immigrant Story by Miska Kajanus.

The evening concluded with raffle excitement and live music and dancing to Pirske, featuring Henrika Ojala (vocals), Maria Männistö (vocals, keys), Jani Kuivalainen (guitar), Evan Woodle (drums), Akseli Leppänen (keys, guitar, vocals), Julian Weisman (bass), and Joshua Vest (sound).

With gratitude to:
Venue: National Nordic Museum
Photographers: Nick Klein (event) & Olli Tumelius Seattle Headshot Pro (guest portraits)
Catering:
Wines: &
Sponsors: Finnair, , , , , The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce NW, , , , , Suomikauppa.fi &

As we prepare to celebrate Finland’s Independence Day tomorrow, this message reminds us why the occasion matters, no matter where in the world we live. Even in times of global uncertainty, Finnish identity, resilience, and community continue to unite us.

For Finns abroad and people of Finnish heritage, days like these are a chance to honor our shared roots, strengthen our traditions, and carry Finland forward through our stories and connections.

We hope to see many of you tomorrow as we gather here in Seattle to celebrate together. 💙

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää! 🇫🇮

Independence Day greeting from the President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb to Finnish expatriates and Finns abroad on 6 December 2025 - Presidentti Dear Expatriate Finns, we are celebrating Finland's Independence Day at a time of global unrest. Crises, conflicts and threats to biodiversity affect our daily lives, no matter where we live.