Wave to royal distinguished guests on the first day of June in Helsinki

Get out the cardboard signs and glitter and start crafting crowns, because on Thursday, June 1st, 2017, royal splendor arrives in Helsinki. The Nordic monarchs and Iceland's presidential couple will arrive to celebrate Finland's centennial and children will have a unique opportunity to wave to the guests. Royal guests are known to particularly appreciate small flag-wavers and often acknowledge them beautifully at such occasions. You can spot the distinguished guests at the ceremony beginning at 10:30 in front of the Presidential Palace, and then around 11:20 between the Presidential Palace and City Hall, when the distinguished guests are expected to walk to lunch at City Hall, weather permitting.

Instructions for attending the event and a more detailed schedule can be found on the President’s Office website

At the same time, the Market Square will host the All of Finland Dances event, which will have plenty to watch and wonder at. The event will feature about a hundred dancers, but the audience is invited to join in the dance, which the day’s distinguished guests will also be able to watch from City Hall. The audience is asked to arrive at 11:00, and the dancing begins at 11:50.

More information about the All of Finland Dances event

Also, the opening of Esplan Stage will be celebrated on the first of June starting at 4:30 p.m. More information about the Esplan Stage opening

More information about Esplan Stage’s summer program