Suomi Finland 100 Years on 6 December 2017
The year 2017 marks Finland’s 100th anniversary as an independent state. The celebrations culminate in the Finnish
Independence Day on 6th of December, and Finns all over the world are joining in the festivities in their new homelands.
According to 2013 census, there were 573 Finns living in New Zealand either permanently or on all kinds of temporary
Work visas, but by now the figure is bound to be much higher. Of those, 3/4 is estimated to be living to the north of
Taupo axis and particularly in Auckland. The only official Finnish expat society in NZ, Auckland Finnish Society, was established in 1977 so it is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year making 2017 truly a monumental
occasion.
The nation that has been fuelled by ‘sisu’ (persistent determination in the face of impossible odds) has given birth to
many iconic things, such as sauna, Nokia phones, Angry Birds and wife-carrying. All clubbers and sports fans alike will
have appreciated Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’ at some stage, or wondered what planet Lordi landed from to win the Eurovision
Song Contest, and an increasing number of newborns around the world receive a Finnish or Finland-inspired 'baby box’
each year. Attached you’ll find a PDF with 100 fun facts on Finland!
Auckland Finnish Society is joining the world in celebrating Finland in New Zealand with ‘The World’s First Suomi
Finland 100’ Independence Celebration’, and they have brought a legendary Finnish musician to perform in the event. Pave Maijanen has worked as a singer, songwriter, bass player, keyboard player, drummer, guitarist and producer during his long
career. He also represented Finland in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest.
For much more information about Finland, go to
https://toolbox.finland.fi and be sure to check out the terms of use.
ENDS