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Helsinki witnesses mass revelry to usher in Finnish centenary

Xinhua, January 1, 2017 Adjust font size:

A massive party involving concerts, entertainment, fireworks and street dance kicked off in downtown Helsinki midday Saturday celebrating the year 2017, the centenary year of the independence of Finland.

Centered on the newly constructed Civic Square opposite the parliament building, the event will engulf nearby streets until the early hours of New Year Day.

Traditionally, the celebration of the New Year took place in the Senate Square in the neoclassical center comprising mainly buildings from mid 1800s.

This year's celebrations will culminate on Dec. 6, 2017, marking the declaration of independence from Russia 100 years ago. Endit