100 days until the centenary of Finland’s independence

When the date changed last night, there were 100 days to go until the start of the centenary of Finland’s independence. The centenary, which marks the most remarkable anniversary of our generation, has inspired thousands of Finns to build the centenary together. During 2017 tens of thousands of events and gatherings will be organised around Finland under the name Finland 100. The celebrations also reach beyond Finland’s borders: The big year is celebrated at least in 70 different countries and on five different continents.

”The centenary theme ”together” has been well received. It has been seen as important as well as inspiring. The preparation phase of the centenary has already brought together different kinds of organisers and has created a tremendous amount of co-operation. The goal of the centenary is to increase the feeling of togetherness in our society, and working together will help us to achieve this,” says General Secretary for the Centenary, Pekka Timonen.

A programme built together

Finland 100 centenary programme is open for anyone to propose a project. The programme is built together with Finns, friends of Finland, organisations, the state, municipalities, cities, companies and many more.

Over 1,700 projects have already been added to the programme, that include several individual events, concerts, exhibitions, seminars, games, parties or other shared moments spent together. The programme also entails multiple good deeds and resolutions, voluntary work, research and gifts for the centenarian. For example, several companies have agreed to contribute to charities and other good causes.

”Building the centenary year from the grass roots level was a conscious choice. The open application process is in tune with the Finnish values; emphasising democracy and civil society. The end result of the centenary will be a reflection of its makers,” says Chair of the Centenary Board, State Secretary Paula Lehtomäki,

A majority of Finns will run into the centenary multiple times next year i.e. at schools, in TV, online, at cultural and sports events, at exhibitions, in publications and at the dinner table. It’s unlikely to be able to avoid the centenary, even though one would like to. One cannot even go hiding to the forest as there are already more than 70 forest themed projects.  

The programme is being updated regularly during 2016 and 2017. The Finland 100 secretariat has received tens of new project applications per week, and the application period will run until the end of October 2017.

Gazing to the future

The centenary is a vantage point from which we can look both forward and back on a hundred years, with our feet firmly planted in the present. Around 400 projects are focused on finding solutions to Finland’s future challenges; to develop our strengths such as equality, education and democracy or to vision the future of Finland and its people.  
 
”The centenary of Finland’s independence is a changemaker of positivity, which pushes Finland forward. It is a pleasure to share Finland’s accomplishments and strengths in Finland as well as abroad. During its 100 years of independence Finland has cherished strong democracy. Also, Finland takes top places in international rankings concerning equality, stability, freedom of speech and clean nature,” says the Chair of the Centenary Commission, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä,

Finland’s centenary celebrations will kick off on New Year’s Eve for the young and old around the Töölö Bay in Helsinki, which will be broadcasted to the whole Finland through YLE. The centenary celebrations will climax in the week leading to Independence Day in December 2017 with a multitude of festivities throughout the country every single day.

Inquiries: Pekka Timonen, General Secretary, tel. +358 50 337 4386, Päivi Pirttilä, Head of Communications, tel. +358 40 705 3323, Prime Minister’s Office

The centenary of Finland’s independence in brief:

- Independent Finland turns 100 years in 2017. The centenary will mark the most remarkable anniversary of our generation which will be celebrated throughout 2017 in Finland and abroad.
- The centenary theme is together. According to the theme, the year is celebrated together with Finns and friends of Finland.
- The centenary programme is open for everyone and anyone can submit a project proposal until the end of October 2017.  The programme examines the history of Finland’s independence, the present day and future. Apply online at: http://suomifinland100.fi/tehdaan-yhdessa/join-us-in-creating-the-programme/?lang=en
- Take a look at the centenary programme here: http://suomifinland100.fi/tehdaan-yhdessa/?lang=en
- The centenary programme calendar has been opened in September 2016 and will be updated regularly.
- The project secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office is in charge of creating the programme as a whole. Regional implementation of the centenary is on the responsibility of a regional network consisting of the regional councils and the six largest cities and their 25 regional coordinators.
- Finland 100 centenary website
- Follow SuomiFinland100 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and Snapchat (#Suomi100, #Finland100)