Search

Finnish Defence Forces organizes two parades a year: on the Flag Day 4th June and on the Independence Day 6th December. The parades offer the public a view to the military troops, vessels and material.

Many aspects of the Finnish society are mirrored in the Finnish Defence Forces everyday activities. We are committed to minimize environmental impact as well as to promote equality and responsibility.

Parade Band The Conscript Band’s Parade Band consists of three sections: wind orchestra, drum group and rifle drill group. The main purpose of the Parade Band is to perform at the Defence Forces’ largest events, such as the Flag Day and the Indepe...

The Air Force Band The Air Force Band, or Air Force Big Band, primarily performs big band music. As necessary, the 21-piece orchestra is divided up to form dance, jazz and popular music ensembles. In the context of parades and other traditional ev...

There is strength in youth! The Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces represents the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. It is formed each year from about 90 of the most skilled musicians in the age group entering military service. The ...

The Sea Lion Drum Corps The Sea Lion Drum Corps of The Finnish Navy Band consists of six reservists of the Finnish Defence Forces. Their playing style has its roots in the east-coast drumming tradition of the United States. If tracked further back...

3.11.2025 | The Finnish Defence Forces will celebrate the 108th Independence Day of Finland by way of a national parade on 6 December in Kouvola. The theme of the parade is We defend Finland together. The review of troops will take place at Kouvola Finnish baseball stadium, and the pass in review on Salpausselänkatu. The Finnish Defence Forces’ and other agencies’ equipment and activity will be available for familiarisation at Sumulaakso. The events are free of charge.

6.12.2025 | Field Devotional, Senior Military Chaplain of the Karelia Brigade Jarkko Lievonen

25.11.2025 | The national parade on the Independence Day 6 December will affect traffic and parking arrangements in Kouvola. During the parade events, the public is kindly asked to move on foot downtown, in the area of the Finnish baseball stadium, Sumulaaksonkatu, Salpausselänkatu, and Kymen Lukko.

6.12.2025 | Esteemed Veterans and Lottas of our wars, esteemed Guests of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen, Parade Troops. Ärade veteraner och lottor från våra krig, ärade inbjudna gäster, bästa publik, paradtrupper.

25.11.2025 | The national parade on the Independence Day 6 December will affect traffic and parking arrangements in Kouvola. During the parade events, the public is kindly asked to move on foot downtown, in the area of the Finnish baseball stadium, Sumulaaksonkatu, Salpausselänkatu, and Kymen Lukko.

2.6.2025 | The Finnish Defence Forces' Flag Day on 4 June in Kuopio features events from morning until evening. The flight activities included in the programme will cause noise, especially in the city centre and harbour area of Kuopio.

22.5.2024 | A centuries-old tradition continues on summer Fridays in downtown Helsinki.

22.5.2024 | A centuries-old tradition continues on summer Fridays in downtown Helsinki.

12.3.2025 | The national parade on the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces will be held on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 in Kuopio. Karelia Air Wing, in cooperation with the City of Kuopio, is responsible for organising the event. The parade is part of Kuopio's celebrations marking its 250th anniversary this year.

2.6.2025 | The Finnish Defence Forces' Flag Day on 4 June in Kuopio features events from morning until evening. The flight activities included in the programme will cause noise, especially in the city centre and harbour area of Kuopio.

20.5.2025 | The national parade for the Defence Forces’ Flag Day will be held in Kuopio on 4 June 2025. The event will cause changes to traffic and parking. During the parade events, the public is encouraged to move on foot in the harbour and Väinölänniemi areas.

13.11.2023 | The National Parade on the Independence Day of Finland will be held in Oulu on 6 December. The theme of the parade is Defenders of Independent Finland. The review of troops will be held at Raati stadium, and the pass in review on the bridges of Merikoski. At Oulu market square, the Finnish Defence Forces’ and other agencies’ equipment and activity will be on display for familiarisation. The events will be free of charge.

5.5.2025 | Finnish Air Force flight activities can be seen at home and international air shows as well as in other events.

29.11.2024 | The current Commander of the Finnish Air Force, Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, will retire to the reserve at the end of November 2024.