Vappu is Finland’s May Day celebration combining labor, student, and spring traditions.
Vappu takes place on April 30 and May 1. It began as a workers’ and socialist celebration but developed into a broader Finnish festival involving students, families, picnics, balloons, confetti, and sparkling wine. In many cities, university students wear distinctive white graduation caps during the festivities.
A famous Helsinki tradition occurs on April 30, when a student places a large cap on the Havis Amanda statue. May 1 then brings outdoor gatherings and picnics, particularly in parks. The celebration’s name comes from Saint Walpurga, whose feast day was observed on May 1 in parts of Europe.
Vappu should not be confused with Juhannus, Finland’s midsummer celebration, or Independence Day on December 6. Although Vappu includes an international workers’ connection, Finnish customs give it a distinctive national character.