At the event, about 2,000 guests usually visit the Presidential Palace in Helsinki and shake hands with the first couple, President Sauli Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio, before dancing and drinking overnight packed in a tightly compact 1845 built official residence.
This year, Niinistö has decided that a traditional program may be wise, but another part of the celebration – households gathered in front of the television – may proceed normally.
"The reception has traditionally gathered about two thousand Finns in the presidential palace. But Independence Day is also celebrated at home, in front of millions of their televisions. Although this year we will not meet in the traditional way at the Presidential Palace, it will by no means diminish the significance of the celebration. We celebrated Finland and our independence together with all Finns with a new kind of program," said President Niinistö in his statement.
Yle’s streaming follows events to celebrate Finland’s independence on December 6 at the Presidential Palace and across Finland.
The exact format has not yet been decided, but the evening program includes memories of previous receptions and greetings from spectators.
Independence Day broadcasts are traditionally one of the most watched television events on the Finnish calendar. Last year, the broadcasts reached about three million people.