Get ready with Rodeo for the Finnish Independence Day Reception

The 6th of December is a special date for Finland, as the nation celebrates its Independence Day – a pivotal milestone the Finns have commemorated since 1917. To mark the occasion, the President hosts the annual Independence Day Reception, which, over the past century, has transformed from a modest gathering into a grand and elegant ball where the country’s biggest and brightest convene at the Presidential Palace for an evening of mingling, dancing, music and fine dining.

To be invited to the soirée is a great honour, and each year, the palace’s lofty and opulent rooms, adorned with glimmering crystal chandeliers, welcome over a thousand guests, representing a broad spectrum of the Finnish society. Among them are the country’s most celebrated talent in sports, art and culture, alongside politicians, diplomats, distinguished scientists, and veterans. As twilight envelopes the nation, the rest of Finland retreats indoors to tune in to the live broadcast – the most-watched program of the year attracting an audience of millions – captivated by the flurry of striking, floor-grazing gowns, dapper suiting and mesmerising musical performances.

Among the artists who received the coveted wax-sealed invites from Finland’s newly-minted President, Alexander Stubb, was Rodeo, dubbed ‘the Finnish superband.’ Comprising three renowned female musicians – Anna Puu, Ida Paul and Erin Anttila – Rodeo was only introduced to the public in October, to much surprise (though they revealed the idea for the band had been brewing since 2020). Yet, the trio has already garnered critical acclaim with their pop and country-infused music, even lending their silky vocals to a performance at the official Independence Day Reception after-party at Helsinki's luxe Kämp Hotel.

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The lavish, celebrity-favourite downtown destination also served as the group’s base for getting dressed and glammed for the night. The hotel’s palatial lobby and sleek hallways buzzed with electric excitement as I made my way to catch Rodeo’s final thoughts – and sneak peeks of their looks, styled by Sanna Silander – before they headed to the palace. “I was pretty zen this morning and earlier in the day, but now I’m definitely feeling the butterflies and a little chaotic inside,” says Paul, the only first-timer of the band attending the reception. “I think we all share the same feeling of being the most nervous about singing Finlandia [the iconic, Jean Sibelius-composed song traditionally performed at the after-party],” Puu adds, while Paul and Anttila nod in agreement. “It’s such a huge responsibility.”

Rodeo’s show-stopping, form-flaunting corseted gowns were dreamt up by emerging Finnish designer Linda Kokkonen, who honed in on her signature, Victorian-inspired aesthetic to craft custom-made frocks harnessing recycled silk and couture lace. Edgy yet refined, the women sum up their reactions from the very first fittings as simply “Wow – beautiful.”

As for their plans in the palace? “We have a list of things we want to do,” Paul says. “Some food, a bit of punch, and then definitely a spin on the dance floor,” Puu chimes in. “This year’s celebration’s theme is ‘together’, and I think we fit that perfectly.”

Browse Rodeo's Independence Day moments below: