Juhannus celebrated peacefully across country

The traditional Juhannus (Midsummer) was celebrated peacefully across the country amid chilly and rainy weather.

People from all walks of life thronged the banks of lakes, rivers and sea along with their family, relations and friends and light bonfires on Friday evening to add colours to the festival.

There were exotic foods and drinks, besides music, dance, songs and making fun, on the occasion of the biggest summer celebration.

All offices including government and private excepting the emergency services remained closed till Monday.

Friday night—Midsummer's Eve—passed off relatively calmly around Finland, reported national broadcaster Yle quoting police sources.

The chilly and rainy weather put a damper on revellers.

Midsummer traditionally marks the beginning of the summer holiday.

For 60 years, many residents of Helsinki flock to Seurasaari, an island in the greater region of Helsinki to watch midsummer bonfires.

Nowadays, Finnish Silverline offers boat trips from the Laukontori harbour. The cruise rate includes midsummer bonfire, dance and a coupe for sauna.

The boat trip from the harbour to the island is less than 20 minutes.

It is believed that the biblical John the Baptist was born on the Midsummer Day.