Vappupäev
Vappupäev, commonly referred to as vappu or vappupäivä, is Finland’s May Day and a major spring festival celebrated on May 1. The holiday blends traditions from the labor movement with university and student customs and is observed nationwide as a public holiday with many people taking time off work. In practice, the celebrations often extend over a weekend, especially in university towns.
Celebrations typically occur in two parts: vappuaatto (the eve of May Day) and vappupäivä (May 1). On
Origins and culture: The holiday has roots in 19th-century May Day celebrations associated with the labor movement