Last December 7th, Finland’s Independence Day, traditionally celebrated for one hundred and five years on December 6th, brought together almost 300 guests from the Finnish consular corps, the Finnish-Brazilian business community, civil and military delegations and the Finnish community, joyfully received by the Ambassador of Finland in Brazil and the Honorary Consul General of Finland, Johanna Karanko and Sérgio Chamone, accompanied by Diana Macedo-Soares, respectively, in an event organized in the traditional Naval Club Building (Edifício do Clube Naval), located in Rio de Janeiro.

After the national anthems of Brazil, Finland and the European Union, the Ambassador praised the excellent relations between the two countries, and speaking about the World Happiness Report 2022, conducted annually by the UN, the Consul stressed that Finnish happiness is a matter of social welfare. They also commented on the brutal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia and stressed that research, trade, and diplomacy should be strengthened by peaceful countries, such as those that make up the European Union and Mercosur, citing Brazil and Finland as examples.

With different gastronomic and typical options from the Nordic country and a vast repertoire of international and popular Brazilian songs enhanced by live performance, the celebration party for the fifth centennial celebration of Finland’s Independence included the presentation of Finnish folk dance by the PKY Group, from the city of Penedo.

Check out some of the photos!