Vappu is one of the most important Helsinki Events. It is an international festival, which is celebrated on the 1st of May. Vappu in Helsinki is however celebrated in a Finnish tradition. Vappu of Helsinki combines international workers' movement, the traditional springtime revelry of Scandinavian students, European celebrations of spring, the modern street carnival and the enthusiasm for drinking in the Finnish style. All these traditions are followed in the Vappu Festival. Regardless of the fact that it may still be snowing, every Finn celebrates the beginning of spring on Vappu.
The celebrations of Vappu in Helsinki start a night
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before the actual day. On the 30th of April, a statue of a mermaid, which is near Helsinki’s market square, is sprayed with champagne and given a white cap to wear. This is one of the rituals, which is followed for all the statues of the country. From this night the parties start among the Finns.
On the 1st of May, the day of Vappu, every Finn celebrates by drinking, gathering in parks, cafes, restaurants and being with friends and family. Enjoying traditional drink and food is also an important part of enjoying the day. The day of Vappu is the favorite national holiday for the people living in Helsinki.
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