Macao supplied an archetypal Finnish north wind gusts in College Quad and Courtyard as MCM College commemorated Finland’s Independence Day (called Itsenäisyyspäivä in Finnish and Självständighetsdagen in Swedish), held annually on 6th December. It celebrates Finland’s independence from Russia in 1917.

Celebrated across Finland, and by Finns around the world, it is done so with a few small markers of national pride and history, little fanfare, but there are still beloved customs and traditions.

White and blue can be seen across Finland, a gesture to Finland’s flag and national colours of Finland. White and blue candles are ubiquitous usually placed in sets of two on windowsills.

In a time of global pandemic, 2020 - no ordinary year - a characteristically small-scale gathering around the Finnish flag, fellows and undergrads toasted with glögi, tasted hernekeitto and viili

Pictured are Professor Garry Wong formerly, Professor of Medical Biochemistry, UEF School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland; Dr Vat Kam Hou, Department of Computer & Information Science (DCIS), whose presentation on his experience of Finland formed part of the EU MCMC series 2020.

The Master, Dr Patricia Thompson and MCMC fellows and undergrads.