[Photo from visithelsinki.fi]

The Finnish Defence Force Guard Parades are held in the summer months. The parades kick off at the Senate Square at 12:30. The event itself starts with music already fifteen minutes before at 12:15.

The route of the parade runs from the Senate Square through Unioninkatu street to the Esplanade and the Main Guard House (next to the presidential palace), where a changing of the guard will take place.

In addition to the parade The Finnish Defence Force military bands perform a concert on the Esplanade stage on the parade day at 2pm.

Both the parade and the concerts are free of charge.