Seattle’s Finnish Independence Day Dinner and Dance 2025 broke the record attendance
Written By:
Finlandia Foundation
By Kristiina Hiukka
Honorary Vice Consul of Finland for Washington State
Just like millions of Finns, Finnish Americans, and Friends of Finns and Finland around the world, on December 6, 2025, more than 200 Washingtonians gathered to celebrate 108 years of Finnish independence. The annual Finnish Independence Day Dinner and Dance, lovingly organized by the Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter, was held at the iconic National Nordic Museum in Seattle. This cherished tradition has now grown into the largest Finnish community celebration in Washington State.
The evening opened in the museum’s Fjord Hall with a “sparkling hour” where sparkling wine was accompanied with rye bread and herring, warm embraces, animated conversations, and joyful reunions. Portraits captured by photographer Olli Tumelius preserved the joy on people’s faces, while the Finnish Choral Society, led by Maria Männistö, set a reverent and celebratory tone for the night ahead.
Candlelight guided us into Osberg Hall, beautifully transformed with blue hues and elegant table settings. After I welcomed our guests and wished everyone sisukasta itsenäisyyttä—independence with sisu, we joined in singing the national anthems of Finland and the United States watched the President Stubbs’ annual video greeting for Finns abroad. The choir sang Sibelius’s Finlandia as a tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans and Lottas.
A highlight of the program was the keynote address by global tech leader and author Mårten Mickos, whose reflections on independence resonated deeply. He described independence as both standing on one’s own feet and holding hands with trusted partners—a living, evolving state rather than a completed achievement. His words connected Finland’s history of resilience with contemporary realities: security rooted not only in defense, but in education, sustainability, equality, and the thoughtful development of artificial intelligence. By linking Finland’s experience with that of Ukraine, Mickos reminded us that independence is never abstract; it is defended daily through courage, collaboration, and care for both people and planet.
The evening also marked a meaningful transition as we honored Honorary Consul Matti Suokko for his 25 years of dedicated service. In his annual Honorary Consul’s Toast Matti reminisced about the many unforgettable events he spear-headed during his service. A message of appreciation from Washington Governor Bob Ferguson underscored the strong ties between Finland and Washington State.
We were also delighted by the Finnish School of Seattle students, whose reflections on independence—often involving sauna, irtokarkit, and cousins—offered a charming, intergenerational reminder of what makes Finland feel like home. Laughter filled the room during comedian and actor Miska Kajanus’s performance, perfectly preparing us for an exuberant evening of dancing. Music by the beloved band Pirske brought everyone to their feet, beginning—appropriately—with ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” The dance floor became a joyful expression of spirited, inclusive, and very Finnish in its warmth.
Celebrating Finnish Independence Day in U.S. reflects Finland’s enduring commitment to partnership—Nordic, transatlantic, and global. As Mårten Mickos so eloquently reminded us, independence lives through small, determined acts taken every day. On this December night in Seattle, those acts took the form of music, remembrance, dialogue, laughter, and dancing—together.
Kiitos to everyone who made this evening unforgettable. Until next year.
Follow for Finlandia Foundation Seattle: https://www.finlandiafoundationseattle.com/