Vappu.

In Finland 30^th of April is known as Vappu eve. Vappu, which is celebrated on 1^st May, is a Finnish national day and that day all Finns have a free day. Just like we do- coincidence? I don’t think so! ;). On that day they raise their flag. For some this is also a sign of upcoming summer because that day is often really hot. The word Vappu is originally took from Valpuri (eng. Walpurga). Saint Walpurga was a nun who was living in Germany, Bavaria in 8^th century and she became saint 1^st May (possibly in 870AD). That’s why 1^st May in Finland is also celebrated as a Christian day (well, maybe not that much). Finns took that day from Swedes. That day ylippilaat (the ones that passed their high school exams and now they are becoming students) put their graduation hat which is called ylioppilaslakki.

 They also wear plastic glasses and red noses, take some streamer or colourful ribbons and put them on their neck, or they take balloons that goes in the air. A lot of events and concerts are organised on a city squares. At Vappu Fins normally drink honey and champagne. Traditional Vappu’s food is funnel cake, donats, potato salad and saussages. A lot of people go to picnic to the park that day where they drink, eat and rest.