Happy Vappu! Hauskaa Vappua!
Vappu (May Day/Labour Day) in Finland is a celebration for spring, workers and students. Since 1979, May Day has been an official flag day in Finland.
Fun facts about Vappu:
- The celebrations begin on 30 May. In Helsinki with the hatting of the Havis Amanda statue (Mantan lakitus) by students, using a crane, at 6pm. Unlike in previous years, this spring’s May Day capping ceremony will be held at the Kansalaistori Square due to the Havis Amanda statue being restored. Students at Uniarts Helsinki are creating an installation for the capping ceremony, which will be revealed on May Day.
- On 1 May people gather out for picnics in the park (no matter what the weather)
- The traditional Vappu drink is home-made sima (mead)
- Sweet treats associated with Vappu include tippaleipä (funnel cake) and doughnuts
- Those who have graduated wear their white upper secondary-school graduation caps for the occasion
