juhlapäiviä

The Finnish term juhlapäiviä refers broadly to days that are officially or traditionally set aside for celebration or remembrance. These days include public holidays mandated by law, religious observances, and cultural events that are widely recognized in Finland. Jurisdictions and communities often list a holiday calendar that governs school closures, bank and government office schedules, and public transport timetables.

In Finland, the state holidays are prescribed in the Law of Public Holiday Observance. Among the most important are Unity Day (December 6), Independence Day (December 17), and the new year, all of which require the closure of schools and many businesses. The holiday list also accommodates the Finnish language day (October 10), which celebrates the use of the Finnish language in public life.

Religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas are celebrated by the majority of Finns though they are not mandated national holidays. Other days, like Midsummer (Juhannus) and Saint Andrew’s Day (Pikkuhenkilöpäivä), have strong cultural significance and are marked by festivals, outdoor activities, and traditional customs such as bonfires, starfish swimming, and the eating of salmon.

International observances that coincide with Finnish holidays, such as World Environment Day or International Women’s Day, are often acknowledged in the public domain but usually do not involve statutory closures of institutions. The blend of secular and religious traditions in the Finnish calendar demonstrates the country’s commitment to preserving national identity while maintaining a flexible approach to contemporary celebrations.