Juhlapäivän

Juhlapäivän is the genitive form of the Finnish noun juhlapäivä, which means the day of celebration or feast day. The term refers to any day that is set aside for celebration or commemoration, encompassing religious observances, national or local holidays, and personal milestones. It is formed from juhla (celebration, festival) and päivä (day).

In ordinary Finnish usage, juhlapäivä describes a specific day that is observed with festivity, without necessarily implying official status. It is distinct from pyhäpäivä, which more often denotes a holy or religious holiday, and from arkipäivä, a regular weekday. Juhlapäivän vietto refers to the observance or celebration of the day, and phrases such as juhlapäivän ohjelma describe the program or activities planned for the day.

The concept covers both officially declared holidays and days marked by tradition or personal significance. Some juhlapäivät coincide with public holidays and may involve closures or special schedules, while others are celebrated through rituals, family gatherings, or community events without legal status.

See also: pyhäpäivä, juhla, kalenteri.