Finnish Nature Day is observed in Finland every last Saturday of August and celebrates the uniqueness of the country's natural environment. The holiday was first celebrated in 2013, with its inaugural ceremony held at Nuuksio National Park, featuring a speech by the then-Minister of the Environment, Ville Niinistö. In 2017, it was designated as an official flag day, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence, making it the first country to officially celebrate its nature in this manner. The main goal of Finnish Nature Day is to emphasize the importance of nature in the lives of Finns and to promote the preservation of natural resources. Celebrations typically include flag-raising ceremonies, live concerts in national parks, picnics, and open-air dinners organized by environmental organizations and activists. The First Lady of Finland, Jenni Haukio, serves as the patron and ambassador for this holiday. Finnish law supports the public's right to enjoy nature freely, allowing activities like walking, cycling, or skiing, except near private residences or in vulnerable fields and plantations.