May Day in Finland ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of May Day in Finland and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of May Day in Finland and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
May Day, or Vappu as it is called in Finnish, is a spring festival celebrated on the first of May. On this day, people all over Finland take to the streets to enjoy the warm weather and celebrate the arrival of spring. The most common May Day traditions include picnicking, drinking champagne, and eating strawberries.
May Day has its roots in the ancient pagan festival of Walpurgis Night, which was celebrated on the last day of April. Walpurgis Night was a time when people would light bonfires and dance around them to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the Christian church assimilated the pagan festival and turned it into a celebration of the Virgin Mary. In Finland, the holiday became known as Vappu, named after Saint Walpurga.
Today, May Day is a public holiday in Finland, and many people have the day off from work. The most popular May Day tradition is the May Day parade, which takes place in Helsinki. The parade features floats and marching bands, and is a lively and festive event. After the parade, people often head to the parks to picnic and drink champagne.
May Day is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and the warmer weather, and to spend time with friends and family.