Finland Turns 108; Cold Rain Does Not Cool Protesters Running Hot

Finland Today reporter and photojournalist Tony Öhberg spent hours in the cold, pouring rain observing demonstrations that took place on Finland’s 108th Independence Day on December 6 in Helsinki. It wasn’t always pretty. There was a lot of cursing and lip service, but also moments of fun and grace. Here are the highlights.

It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly a scream pierced the air.

Thanks, Snoopy.

As the cold rain lashed against faces in the headwind on the 108th Independence Day of Finland, “No Nazis to Helsinki!” echoed through Töölö. The chants blended with funky Brazilian rhythms as counter-protesters against the participants of the 612 torchlight procession made noise, but they were fenced in, since the Töölö Market Square was the legally designated spot for a colorful group united by patriotism, marching to the Hietaniemi cemetery to pay respect and honor the work and sacrifices of previous generations.

“Why don’t you ask the children if they have a guardian with them?” an elderly couple asked a row of policemen in riot gear, as another young boy in urban camouflage pants and a black jacket was granted access past the police barricade to the Töölö Market Square. The barricade guarded every corner of the dark, tiny square that, at this hour—17:30—would otherwise be empty on a Friday evening, with only a dimly lit Christmas tree suggesting hope for brighter days to come.

It was the first time I remember the police using significant manpower and resources to completely block access to a public site just to keep people with opposing views apart.

“What’s your purpose for entering the area?” the police asked another baby-faced boy, clad in pale, loose pants that could have hidden a big bottle of Coke. He was turned away on his heels. Wrong password.

“You have to be a Nazi to get in,” joked a middle-aged woman, saying it was her first time witnessing such wild action. She was just passing by, visiting her child at a nearby hospital.

“We have to get in!” said a young woman with a dark mohawk to her friend. “But one thing is for sure: we’re not going to spend the night in jail.”

These people weren’t seen again near the square that evening; they likely blended in with the hundreds of isolated anti-Nazi youth.

“Oh! Here comes another group of boys with masks on their faces. Boys … boys … you haven’t gotten a piece of pussy in a long time!” a woman shouted through a megaphone.

It didn’t take long for a group of policemen to escort her away to protect her from disturbance and crime.

That was the only arrest I saw after spending a few hours on this dark and stormy night.

FACTS