I’d heard that a military parade was taking place in Senate Square so we decided to go along and see what was happening. Arriving at the cathedral, people were already starting to gather on its steps. Over the years we’ve attended various different types of events here, and the stone steps provide an excellent viewing platform.
The band of the Finnish Defence Force performed a short concert and a guard parade, marching across the square. This ceremonial performance dates back to the eighteenth century. The ceremony included a colourful parade along the cobbled streets of central Helsinki and the changing of the guard outside the Presidential Palace.
After enjoying the concert and watching the procession we decided to take a look in the nearby large Stockmann department store. It’s a joy to shop there and you can find almost anything you desire. There’s even a Hamley’s toy shop concession on the top floor. In the basement you will find a huge food hall with a vast array of produce, all beautifully displayed. The staff are all very helpful and wear little metal badges with flags indicating which languages they speak. It was our last full day in Finland so I wanted to buy some gifts to take back home.
Bulevardi (‘the Boulevard’ in English) starts across the road at Erottoja and extends as far as Hietalahti. This tree lined avenue has some fine buildings and amongst them is the Alexander Theatre which was formerly the home of the Finnish National Opera which was built in 1879. We also passed Old Church Park and church which is a popular place for young people to relax in its gardens with their friends.
Nearby, we came across Cafe Ekberg a beautiful old, traditional cafe and one I have fond memories of as when I first visited Helsinki as a visiting teacher, the university’s international co-ordinator brought me here one afternoon for tea and cakes. Glancing inside, their cakes looked as delicious as ever, I must pop in again next time I’m over.
Our walk neared its end at Hietalahti where a flea market was taking place outside the market hall, these take place regularly in the summer months. After browsing the stalls awhile we returned to the centre by tram.
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National or city ceremonies and processions are a good way to get the flavour of a place. I still remember the small events we have tripped over in variuous places around the world. That is wnat makes travel so much different than home. All the best Marion. Allan
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Senate Square in the centre of Helsinki holds many events and we were so lucky to be there when a procession and band was taking place.
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I have not experienced it. Must have been great experience. Matti.
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Yes, it was, and actually we have been able to attend several times as it’s usually on when we visit, so if you’re in Helsinki in the summer you can also enjoy it.
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Seems like you enjoyed your trip – that’s so nice! 🙂 Even though I am a Finn, I am not familiar with all those things you saw in Helsinki. So, maybe I will take some tips from your posts, travel to Helsinki and discover my country better! 😀
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Hi Sofia, Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for your kind words. It’s always interesting to read about one’s own country through the eyes of someone else – I love doing that too!
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I love a parade, especially in another country and this one looks great – splendid uniforms. I remember well, even all these years later, going into that department store and having to coax, cajole and eventually drag our son out of the toy section!
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I just adore shopping in Stockmann it’s like the John Lewis of Finland! I agree Brass bands and parades are so captivating to watch especially when we are in foreign lands.
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Oh I love flea markets! I haven’t been to Finland yet, but it looks like a great place to visit. Thanks a lot for sharing!
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Thanks for your nice comment Anna. Yes, flea markets are great places for a poke around, you never quite know what you might find. As for Finland – it’s really beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
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Sounds like a wonderful day.
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It was splendid Terry. As you probably realise by now, I adore Finland but seeing the parade made the day extra special.
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Have not been to Finland yet but have heard it is very nice and your blog posts just make that point more clear. Happy travels.
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Thanks again Terry.
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On my short visit to Helsinki I loved the Esplanade. So full of life and so relaxed too. Your article brings it all back.
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That’s good to read Shane,the Esplanade is particularly beautiful and so full of life in the summertime.
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Another great post and wonderful pictures. You’ve certainly convinced me that Helsinki would be a great place to visit.
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That’s great to read John! Thank you so much for your kind words, it makes my day to receive such positive feedback.
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Lovely pics and description 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words, it’s very encouraging.
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🙂 keep up the good blogging!
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What a lovely thing to read! Thanks so much for your kind words.
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Don’t mention 🙂 Love reading your blog.
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Wow. I’ve never seen this many people in Finland. Maybe at Vappu.
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It was lovely to see so many happy faces all together enjoying the sunny weather and the parade. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
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