Helsinki has been a culturally diverse city throughout its history. Statistics show that at the end of 2024, roughly 142,000 people with a foreign background were living in the capital. The corresponding number of Helsinki residents who received Finnish citizenship in 2024 was 2,629.
The City of Helsinki celebrates its new Finnish citizens each year by inviting all recently naturalised adult Helsinki residents to City Hall. The annual event is hosted by the Mayor of Helsinki, currently Daniel Sazonov, who also presented the opening words.
“I want to warmly congratulate all Helsinki residents who were granted Finnish citizenship last year. Over the last few years, the citizenship reception has turned into an esteemed tradition that provides the city with the opportunity to meet and celebrate our residents who have recently become citizens,” Sazonov said.
Speech from new citizen conveyed love for Finland
Each year, one new citizen is asked to say a few words at the event. This year, language instructor Luciana Paltila, who moved from Brazil to Finland in 2017, did the honours.
“My story about Finland is a love story. As with any love story, there were several phases: the first flash of feelings turning into passion, followed by challenges, and ending in a deep commitment. For me, it started out as a platonic love, many years before I ever imagined moving here,” Paltila said.
“Today, my love story with Finland is no longer platonic – it is real. Helsinki has become my refuge: It is my home and the place I belong. I founded my family here, made friends here and have had the opportunity to study and work here. It has taught me something valuable; it taught me to dream. And what is more – it showed me that dreams can come true,” she continued.
“I hope that in the future Helsinki and all of Finland will continue to value newcomers, diversity, democracy and love. As in all long-term relationships that are built on love, I feel a strong tie to this city. I want to continue to build a shared future here,” Paltila said.
Guests enjoyed several music performances
The reception began with a joint rendition of the Finnish national anthem “Maamme”. After presentations from the mayor and the representative new citizen, the guests were treated to several music performances.
Kora player Cheick Cissokho, the folk music duo of Marjo Smolander and Minttu Hellstén as well as the Afro Brazilian Space band with vocalist Nei Zigma provided the evening’s musical entertainment.
A total of 2,168 invitations were sent to the celebration and approximately 440 new citizens signed up to attend. The invitation could not be sent to those recipients who have opted out of direct marketing.
