Silent Candlelight Procession

The candlelight procession to raise awareness of violence against women will start on 25 November 2025 at 17.00 at the western end of Esplanade Park and end at the statue of Havis Amanda.

Piirroskuva kynttilöiden ympäröimästä Havis Amandan patsaasta
Photo: Lille Santanen

25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

According to a Eurostat study, Finland is the most unsafe country for women in the EU. In Finland, more than half of women have experienced physical violence, sexual violence or threats of violence. The most unsafe place for women is often their own home. One in three women in Finland have experienced physical or sexual violence or threats of violence in a close relationship. When including psychological violence, more than half of all women say they have experienced domestic violence or the threat of it in their lifetime. 

Eurostat (2024), EU gender-based violence survey – Key results (pdf)

Join the procession

The silent candlelight procession aims to raise awareness of violence against women and encourage everyone to take action to end it. The colour orange and light symbolise hope for a non-violent future.

The march is part of the UN's Orange the World campaign and is organised in cooperation with UN Women Finland. 

Spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland Suzanne Innes-Stubb is the patron of the Orange the World campaign in Finland.

Post photos of the procession and the statue of Havis Amanda lit in orange with the hashtags 

#Helsinki #Helsingfors #UNWomenSuomi #OranssitPäivät

  • Timetable and route

    The procession will start from the west end of Esplanade Park on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 17.00.

    Along the way, the procession will stop to listen to the Sing & Shine Choirs perform on the Espa Stage. Sing & Shine Choirs is a hearty, open, international and expressive choral community, whose vibrant and multi-artistic performances will move you inside and out. The choirs are conducted by Sanna Valvanne. Read more about the Sing & Shine Choirs  

    The procession ends with a candle lighting ceremony around the statue of Havis Amanda, bathing in orange light. 

    The number of participants may cause changes to the route of the procession.

  • Registration

    The event is open to everyone. 

    Organisations and individuals are asked to register in advance so that the organisers can plan for the number of participants. 

    Register for the candlelight procession on the UN Women Finland website (in Finnish) . 

    You can also take part in the procession without advance registration.

  • Guidelines for participants

    • Please follow the instructions you receive from the police, security personnel and event organisers.
    • Participants are encouraged to wear black or orange.
    • You can bring your own candle with a protective cover. Candles will also be distributed at the starting point of the procession, but they will be limited. The organisers hope that the candles will be distributed as evenly as possible in the procession.
    • Be careful with fire. Keep the fire away from textiles and far enough away from other people.
    • The event will take place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
    • The event is a silent candlelight procession designed to draw attention to an important issue through silence and dignity. Political chants, signs and other symbols have no place at this event.
    • Photographers commissioned by the organisers will be present at the event. The photos and videos will be used for communication and marketing purposes by the City of Helsinki and UN Women Finland. In addition, the event may be photographed by the media or individuals. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform the photographer directly.

  • Safety and First Aid

    Security:  Contact details will be updated on this page before the event.

    First aid: Contact details will be updated on this page before the event.

More information

Lähikuva Havis Amanda -patsaan kasvoista.
Havis Amanda bathes in orange light and a silent candlelight procession passes through Esplanadi Park in November
Drawing of the Havis Amanda statue.
Register for the candlelight procession on the UN Women Finland website (in Finnish)
Help for survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence

Do you recognise violence?

Do you recognise violence directed at you?

 

It might be violence if:

  • you don't feel safe being yourself at home
  • someone puts you down or makes you feel worthless
  • you feel afraid at home, school or with friends
  • your basic needs are not being met
  • your bodily integrity has been violated

Support and help are available.

Do you recognise violent behaviour in your own actions?

It's important to seek help if:

  • you shout, lose your temper or break things
  • you put down, threaten or pressure someone close to you
  • you try to control their money, time or relationships
  • you've been physically violent towards someone
  • you've forced someone into sexual acts against their will

Support and help are available.