Silent Candlelight Procession

Join the procession

The City of Helsinki is organising a silent candlelight procession on 25 November 2026 at 17.00 in Esplanade Park, Helsinki. The procession aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and encourage everyone to take action to end it. The procession is organised in cooperation with UN Women Finland and Finland's Violence Observatory.

The statue of Havis Amanda will be illuminated in orange on 25 November 2026 from 15.00 to midnight as part of the UN's International Orange Days campaign. The colour orange and light symbolise hope for a non-violent future. The patron of the campaign is the spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland, Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

Piirroskuva kynttilöiden ympäröimästä Havis Amandan patsaasta — Photo: Lille Santanen

Timetable and route

The candlelight procession will start from the west end of Esplanade Park on Tuesday, 25 November 2026 at 17.00.

Along the way, the procession will stop at the Espa Stage for speeches and music.

The procession ends with a candle lighting ceremony around the statue of Havis Amanda, bathing in orange light. The event will end at around 18.00.

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

The event is open to everyone.

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

Registration will open later.
Guidelines for participants
- Please follow the instructions you receive from the police, security personnel and event organisers.
- 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

Security: tel. +358931053887

More information

Hiljainen kynttiläkulkue Esplanadin puistossa.

The silent candlelight procession in November 2025

'Valoa ei väkivaltaa' campaign by Finland's Violence Observatory (in Finnish)

Orange Days campaign by UN Women Finland (in Finnish)

Help for domestic violence

Violence in close relationships refers to harmful behaviour between people who are close to one another – such as partners, a parent and a child, or close relatives. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial or sexual violence. Domestic violence often takes place within the walls of the home, hidden from others. No one should have to live with violence. Help is available – both for those who have experienced violence and for those who have used it. You are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out. 

In case of emergency, call 112. If you have an emergency or you need urgent assistance from the authorities or if you know or suspect that somebody’s life, health, property or the environment is under threat or in danger. If necessary, an emergency call can be made by text message to the emergency number 112.

Services 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.

Bring violence into daylight

The Bring violence into daylight campaign is visible on the streets of Helsinki and on social media. The objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage people to seek help. Read more about the campaign

Kaksi ikkunaa, joista toisessa on verhot kiinni ja toisessa ikkunassa näkyy kahden riitelevän hahmon varjot. — Photo: Wörks, Maija Astikainen

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.

Eurostat (2024), EU gender-based violence survey – Key results (pdf)(Link leads to external service)