Arkipyhät

Arkipyhät refers to public holidays in Finland that fall on a weekday. Unlike weekends, these are specifically designated days where many businesses and institutions close, and workers are entitled to a day off. The concept of arkipyhät is distinct from weekend days, which are already non-working days. When a traditional holiday like Christmas or Easter falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on that weekend. However, when these, or other public holidays, occur on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, they become an arkipyhä.

These days often involve specific traditions and customs that vary depending on the holiday itself. For example, Vappu (May Day) on May 1st, Independence Day on December 6th, and Epiphany on January 6th are common examples of arkipyhät. The Finnish legal framework defines which days are considered public holidays, and the arrangement of work and compensation for these days is typically outlined in collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts. The presence of arkipyhät can influence scheduling for events, travel, and daily life, as many services operate on a reduced or closed schedule. The term emphasizes the weekday nature of these official days of rest and celebration.