Finnish Vappu 1 May Celebrations
Well it’s that time again Vappu 1 May.This has got to be the biggest party day through out Finland.Every one has a reason to celebrate 1 May,from workers who celebrate it as Workers Day,to Students who take it as Students Day.
1 May Vappu What is It
Crowds gather to picnic/Its like Glastonbury
Basically 1 may is a day to welcome the coming of spring and sunshine or as some choose a day of drinking and partying,every one and everything goes sort of pear shaped.The police get together when ever they do,and do presumably what police do.When I said it’s about drinking,I really mean drinking!Traditionally students will gather in vast crowds around the The Harvis Amanda statue at the bottom of Esplanade to place a students white cap on her head.The statue was sculpted by Ville Vallgren (1855-1940)in 1906 in
Havis Amanda,a beautiful statue
Paris and this year marks the 100th birthday of the statue,a big occasion for celebrating crowds.
So what does all this mean:collectively 1 may is about the most boisterous and carnival like atmosphere to settle over and through Finland.Persons who have earned their white caps(high school/A levels)don them at 1800 and pretty much wear them till the end of the next day.
People will be found drinking sparkling wines and various other liquids.As the evening progresses innocents will either fall and sleep where they are,straggle home or just plain simply go from one party to the next.
1 May The Family Day
The next day 1 may, friends and families head for the parks.The biggest and most popular is Kaivopuisto Park in southern Helsinki ,where traditional delicacies such as tippaleipä,fritters are usually served with mead or sima;this drink is made from water,brown sugar or honey,lemons and yeast.Other people will add their own spirits too this.
I believe this May Day the City of Helsinki and The Helsingin Sanomat newspaper are organising an empty bottles for cinema tickets campaign.This speaks for itself as most parks are littered with empty bottles after the two-day celebration.Over the years I have joined in,and rambled around the city of Helsinki,but this year I may stay away from the evening before and just aim to get too the parks on May1.Hell,at least I will not have a cräpylä(hangover)and maybe,just maybe I shall remember some of it………………….I shall keep you informed as it is still 3 weeks away;however friends are inquiring about what I am doing that weekend already
1 May Video of the students placing The White Cap on The Havis Amanda
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Greg!
I think the first on may is a day when you want to have a little fun with your closest relatives and friends. Like Mamaia said before. I have great time with my family on all holidays and important events in our lives.
Buchete » I totally agree with you and lets not forget that May 1st is the welcomming of spring and symbolically the re-birth of the soul.
Greg
Let’s party.
I agree with your Helsinki vappu – Havis amanda – Http://www.nectareal.com/heyits-vappu/ – Vappu,The sparkling facts, fantastic post.
Good day! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you have right here on this post. I shall be coming back to your blog soon.
After i read your little story, i have to say that 1 May it’s a great day for having fun. I mean all people go to the parks with they’r families and have a great time together.
cazare in mamaia » I agree with you there.Many famalies also visit beaches in the evening and cook to eat around an open fire,Though the sun sets late it is a very tranquil few hours
Regards
Greg
GREG BARR » Thanks and I trust you will have many more
Regards
Greg
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