After a long, ferocious winter, the fact that Summer is officially here deserves some sort of celebrations. Something like another holiday.

Ever since I saw snow falling outside my window in late October, there has been rumors about the biggest holiday in May. Originally, this event was made for the labor force to take some days off. However, as time passed, the rest of Finland’s population also enjoyed the idea of having a small break between Spring and Summer.

That was the origin of Vappu – which lasts from the evening of 30th April until the end of 1st May.

Being proud to have the longest Vappu holiday in Finland, people from Lappeenranta always spend the whole April celebrating this event. But the main activities, still, occur in the mentioned dates. Below are some interesting facts that I have collected, after my first Vappu in Lappeenranta:

The special hat

If you’ve noticed, in Vappu day (1st May), the Finns will be wearing these hats:

Finnish students receive these hats when they graduate from high school. It’s the sign that they have been well educated. Technical students will have that “pony tail” attached along their hats 

Especially, you can not wear these hats before Vappu – it’s considered the sign of bad luck. Along with these hats, overalls are the dress code of Vappu-related events for students.

Vappu food and drink

One of the things I love the most about Finnish culture, is their endless inspiration for cuisine. From glögi and perunalaatikko in Christmas, mämmi for Easter, Finland always make me look forward to its coming occasion, to try the unique food and drinks that you can only find by that time of the year. And Vappu is not an exception.

Metrilaku, or “meter-long laku” is sold on Vappu night (30th April). Laku is a type of candy, with many flavors…
…and of course, a meter in length. Hanging around the harbor and chewing these metrilaku is an extra sweet experience for everyone!
The next Vappu junk food is tippaleipä – a type of cracker that looks like walnuts. “Juo skumppa, syö tippa!” or “drink champagne, eat tippa” is the Finnish way to enjoy this food
You start and end the summer in Finland with this dude only. Sunny days + Ice cream = Easy life 😉
Sima is the drink that you can only find during Vappu time. This is the combination of water, honey, sugar and yeast, fermented for a good two weeks. They taste awesome, non-alcoholic, and thus the perfect choice for everybody

Main activities

One of my friends announced once, that she would never drink non-alcoholic during Vappu. It is partly true, as Vappu is considered to be another big “boozing” event in Finland, when people get drunk, get crazy at live concerts and clubs for two days straight.

But well, there are still alternatives for that, such as:

Visit your relatives: Regardless of age, Finns in general love Vappu. Spending it with your local family is surely a great idea 😀
Hanging around: Live concerts are conducted in the city center. So, why not gathering some friends and enjoy the lively vibe here in the heart of your town then?
Sunbathing: Traditionally, students in Lappeenranta during the Vappu day will come together to the Fortress hill (Linnoitus), doing some picnics, and sunbathing. It was the first time for me to see a lot of friends at the fortress’ beautiful park

Summary

Well, as for me, the most important thing about Vappu, is that I get to see my friends before summer comes. Once it comes, everyone will be away. Some go on holiday, some stay in Lappeenranta, some go for summer jobs. Thus, having a day out, enjoy the summer atmosphere together before leaving, is a good memory to have.

Hyvää Vappua – Have a nice Vappu everyone 😉

Khanh Tr.