The city of Helsinki is preparing for the National Parade of the Finnish Defence Forces' Flag Day on Saturday. In preparation for the parade, traffic disruptions are also expected on Friday.
To avoid congestion, the public is encouraged to walk or use public transport during the parade events.
According to the police, most of the parade personnel, vehicles and equipment will be brought to the Senate Square and Citizens' Square (Kansalaistori) during Friday afternoon and evening.
Traffic and parking are restricted in the Kruununhaka district. Restrictions that started Friday morning apply to the following streets in particular— Mariankatu, Unioninkatu, Snellmaninkatu and Kirkkokatu. These restrictions apply until 3pm Saturday.
Mannerheimintie and Helsinginkatu will be closed to traffic on the section of the parade's route from noon until 3pm. The section starts between the intersections of Simonkatu and Kaivokatu, where it will run northwards up Mannerheimintie, turning slightly onto Helsinginkatu before ending at Mäntymäenkenttä, right in front of the Olympic Stadium.
More than 1,600 people in the parade
The Defence Forces said more than 1,600 people, over 40 vehicles, 14 aircraft, and an inter-agency canine unit will take part in the parade.
The parade begins at noon on Saturday in the Senate Square, but military equipment will be on display in Citizens' Square from 10am until 7pm. Additionally, ships of the Navy can be viewed by the public from 10am until 7pm in the South Harbour.
The parade area is a no-fly zone and flying drones is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of the event.
The Flag Day parades have been held annually since 1952 and fall on Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim's birthday, Finland's most famous military leader.