Vappu Description
Vappu (May Day) is Finland's most exuberant carnival-like celebration, combining International Workers' Day with a spring festival honoring students and the arrival of warmer weather. The festivities begin on April 30 (Vappu Eve) when student caps are placed on Helsinki's Havis Amanda statue. On May Day, massive picnics fill Kaivopuisto and other Helsinki parks, featuring "sima" (mead), "tippaleipä" (funnel cakes), and balloons. Left-wing parties hold traditional marches starting from Hakaniemi. All public offices and banks close. The celebration is particularly intense among university students but is enjoyed by Finns of all ages across every city.
