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 vappuaatto, student organizations and other groups host open-air events, often on town squares or campuses, where participants wear white student caps (ylioppilaslakki), sing traditional songs, and socialize. On vappupäivä, families and friends gather for outdoor picnics in parks, attend informal festivals or parades in some cities, and enjoy traditional foods such as sima (a sweet, lemony mead), tippaleipä (funnel-shaped pastries), and munkki donuts.

Origins and culture: The holiday has roots in 19th-century May Day celebrations associated with the labor movement and in longstanding student traditions. Over time, it has evolved into a nationwide celebration of spring and community, characterized by a festive but family- and friend-oriented atmosphere. While the scale of demonstrations or political events has varied, the day is widely regarded as one of Finland’s most recognizable spring occasions, emphasizing sociability, food, and outdoor leisure.