Veterans and members of Lotta Svärd, a voluntary auxiliary paramilitary organisation for women, are celebrating Finnish independence on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace.
It is taking place a few days ahead of the official holiday on Saturday 6 December.
Tuesday's event brings together people of Finland's wartime generation, including veterans and Lotta Svärd members, hosted by President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb.
The afternoon reception will also feature other members of the country's political leadership, with performances by the Guard's Band and singers from the National Opera.
Just under 20 guests of honour are expected, with an average age exceeding 100.
According to the President's Office, the daytime reception is designed to accommodate multiple guests and allow for unhurried conversations that take into account their advanced age and health.
Every year, the President's Office announces a theme ahead of the official reception on 6 December. This year, the event will highlight the role of education and learning as cornerstones of Finnish society, according to Stubb's office.
Yle will offer live coverage of Saturday's Independence Day gala on TV and its streaming platform Yle Areena.
Edited at 15:50 on 2 December 2025 to include photos and video from the event.
