Wappa

sea-nymphIn Finland, May Day, or Vappu, is a fun and noisy celebration for students. Its name comes from the name of the Catholic Saint Walpurgia, whose day of remembrance falls on May 1.

Folk festivities throughout Finland begin on April 30. There are balloons, flags, music everywhere. The markets sell souvenirs, flowers, whistles, balls and carnival masks for children and adults. Students, both current and graduate years ago, wear white caps. Thousands of people gather at the Shopping Square in Helsinki at 18.00. Since 1978, it has been strictly established that this peculiar ceremony should take place at exactly 18.00.

According to the tradition, which was born in the 1930s, graduates of universities put a student cap on the head of the bronze sea beauty Havis Amanda. The name of the fountain - "Havis Amanda" in Swedish means "Sea nymph". This elegant bronze figure of a nymph is also called “Manta” by the people of Helsinki. The square is filled with multiple “Hurrah!”, glasses with champagne ring. The holiday continues until late at night.

On the first of May on the hill of the Observatory, in the capital's Kaivopuisto Park, the national flag is raised. Everyone goes on picnics or makes reservations at the cafe. The traditional May Day treat is tippaleipa, served with homemade honey (sima). May 1st is an official day off.