Military parade escalates traffic in Helsinki News
On Saturday, June 4, the Defense Forces Flag Day will be celebrated, and a parade will be held this year in Helsinki.
The City of Helsinki is preparing for the Defense Forces Flag Day parade on Saturday. In preparation for the parade, traffic disruptions are also expected on Friday.
To avoid congestion, the public is advised to walk or use public transport during the parade.
According to police, most of the parade’s staff, vehicles and equipment are brought to Senate Square and the Civic Square (Civic Market) on Friday afternoon and evening.
Traffic and parking are restricted in the Kruununhaa area. The restrictions that started on Friday morning apply in particular to the following streets – Mariankatu, Unioninkatu, Snellmaninkatu and Kirkkokatu. These restrictions apply until 3pm on Saturdays.
Mannerheimintie and Helsinginkatu will be closed to traffic on the parade route from noon to 3 p.m. The section starts at the intersection of Simonkatu and Kaivokatu, from where it runs north to Mannerheimintie, turning slightly onto Helsinginkatu before ending at Mäntymäenkentt, right in front of the Olympic Stadium.
More than 1,600 people in the parade
According to the Defense Forces, more than 1,600 people, more than 40 vehicles, 14 aircraft and an inter-agency dog unit will take part in the parade.
The parade will begin at noon on Senate Square on Saturday, but military equipment will be on display at Civic Square from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, the Navy’s ships will be on display in the South Harbor from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The parade area is a no-fly zone and drones are strictly prohibited from flying to ensure the safety of the event.
Flag Day parades have been held annually since 1952 and are the birthday of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, Finland’s best-known war leader.