In pictures: A short history of the fabulously fun Finnish holiday Vappu

Vappu is one of Finland’s most loved holidays. The Finnish version of Walpurgis Night and May Day is a carnival-style festival that welcomes spring. Finns take to the streets and parks on the evening of April 30th to celebrate, drink, eat and socialize.

For foreign visitors, it is an unexpected sight to see thousands of Finns in the park with alcohol and picnics. They wear colorful balloons and white caps that resemble sailor headwear.

The evolution of a festival

Vappu has evolved throughout history. It has roots in pagan May Day and was later affected by the Christian Saint Walpurga starting in 870. It became an upper-class springtime celebration in the 1700s before becoming associated with Labor Day in the 1800s. Today Vappu is a celebration for students and workers, but festival-goers of all ages take part.

How to celebrate Vappu

The traditional beverage for Vappu is sima, a type of mead. Any beverage can be enjoyed. Finns also celebrate by donning their white graduation caps. Even statues wear them. In Helsinki, it is a tradition to cap Havis Amanda, a statue in the city center. Other cities have similar traditions. Turku’s statue capping reportedly involves a giant toothbrush.

On May 1st, celebrations continue with picnics in the park. Typical carnival fare includes balloons, streamers, pranks and songs.