Today marked exactly 200 years since Alexander I closed the Diet of Borgå (Porvoo). For four months in 1809, representatives from all over the new Russian Grand Duchy of Finland had assembled in Borgå.

To mark the occasion, the municipal authorities in Borgå organised a recreation of the festivities of two hundred years ago in the old town of the city. Borgå has an extensive and well preserved wooded old town and is Finland’s second oldest city, founded in 1346. Alexander I granted his newly captured Finland (which Sweden had lost to Russia) an autonomous entity in his Russian Empire, with the right to its own laws, culture and religion. As during the Swedish period, the territory of what is now Finland was an integral part of the Swedish realm, one can consider that 1809 is the point in which Finland becomes a distinct entity – and thus an important stepping stone on the road to independence in 1917.

The festivities of the anniversary day included Alexander I turning up to the main square in the Old Town to address his “new” subjects. Various other persons and exhibits in 1800s-clothing and style were also on display for the public. Music and theatre acts in 1809 themes were also presented.

Finland and Sweden are both celebrating a commemoratory year of activities to mark the 200th anniversary of the events of 1809. Borgå, being the location of the 1809 diet, has been a centre point of festivaties. Major events were held in March to mark the anniversary of the opening of the diet in 1809. Russian president Medvedev also visited the city this year as part of the anniversary events. The picture is of “Tsar Alexander I” at the opening celebrations in late March.