Mayday, mayday! It’s May Day in Finland and you probably have no idea what you’re about to get yourself into. But don’t worry: Forenom’s Relocation Experts are here to guide you.

 

Every year on April 30th and May 1st, Finland goes wild as people celebrate May Day. Through history, May Day has developed from being a celebration for the arrival of spring in the ancient past, to being the International Workers’ Day welcomed by the labor force, and to being the biggest season of celebrations for students. Through all this, Finnish May Day has evolved into a national carnival stretching all over the country.

 

Whatever you wish to celebrate, May Day is the time to pop that bottle of champagne and enjoy a jolly day together with your near and dear ones. Often the winter snow is just barely gone, but that doesn’t stop Finns from setting up their picnics and spoiling themselves with sparkling wine and sweet munkki’s.

 

Now you’re probably wondering how to nail it in Finland – wander no more! Please help yourself to the May Day etiquette!

 

 

Finnish ‘Vappu’ etiquette

 

The dress code

 

	The graduation cap Pros: An annual occasion when it’s cool to wear an old white cap.
	Student overalls Pros: Protection from the weather. No primary need for a picnic blanket.
	Weather proof clothing It can mean anything from T-shirts and sunglasses to Gore-Tex jackets and woolen gloves.

 

Party equipment

 

	Serpentine Pros: Instant festive makeover to any outfit.
	Funny hats Don’t have a Finnish graduation cap? Why not be a cowboy instead!
	Noisemakers Pros: A little noise adds the finishing touch to your party accessories.
	Balloons Pros: Everything. They’re balloons.

 

Food

 

	Sparkling wine Lots of it. The more the better.
	Durable plastic wine glass Invest 1,99 € into a durable and unbreakable wine glass. Get it from Clas Ohlson.
	Munkki Fetch some delicious munkki’s from the bakery or prepare them yourself with an easy recipe.
	Sima Try this even easier recipe at home! But remember to start making the sugary drink well before May Day.
	Picnic blanket Place your food and friends here, and voilá! You’re ready to celebrate!

 

How to nail it during other upcoming celebrations?

 

Download the Forenom Relocation Experts’ Starting Guide to Finland and rock it like a local!