| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Epiphany | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | May Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Observance |
| Friday | Jun 23,2023 | Midsummer Eve | De facto and Bank holiday |
| Saturday | Jun 24,2023 | Midsummer | National holiday |
| Saturday | Nov 04,2023 | All Saints' Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Nov 12,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Dec 06,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | De facto and Bank holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Boxing Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Uudenvuodenpäivä" in Finland, is celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for people to come together, often with friends and family, to welcome the fresh start. The celebration includes fireworks, parties, and the exchange of well-wishes. New Year's Day is culturally important in Finland as it signifies hope, new beginnings, and a sense of unity among the people.
Epiphany, or "Loppiainen" in Finnish, is observed on January 6th. It commemorates the visit of the three Wise Men to the infant Jesus. In Finland, it is a religious holiday and a time for church services and reflections on the biblical story. Traditionally, children dress up as the Wise Men and go door-to-door, receiving treats in return. Epiphany emphasizes the cultural and religious significance of the Christian faith in Finland and the importance of maintaining age-old traditions.
Valentine's Day, known as "Ystävänpäivä" in Finnish, is celebrated on February 14th. It's a day to express love and appreciation for friends and loved ones. People exchange cards, gifts, and flowers, and couples often go out for romantic dinners. Valentine's Day is culturally significant as it promotes love, friendship, and positive relationships in Finnish society, fostering a sense of warmth and affection among people of all ages.
Good Friday, or "Pitkäperjantai" in Finnish, is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a solemn day of reflection and prayer. Many Finns attend church services and participate in processions, emphasizing the religious and cultural importance of Christianity in Finland. It's a day for spiritual contemplation and a reminder of the sacrifices made for faith.
Easter Sunday, known as "Pääsiäispäivä" in Finnish, is a Christian holiday celebrated to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a joyous occasion, and people attend church services to celebrate the central event of Christianity. Families gather for festive meals, often featuring dishes like lamb and mämmi (a traditional Easter dessert). Easter eggs are a significant part of the celebration, with children participating in egg hunts. Easter Sunday is culturally important as it highlights the religious foundation of Finnish culture and the unity it brings to families and communities.
Easter Monday, or "Toinen pääsiäispäivä," follows Easter Sunday and is a continuation of the Easter celebrations. It's a public holiday that provides an opportunity for people to spend time with loved ones, engage in outdoor activities, or relax. Easter Monday reinforces the cultural tradition of family togetherness and the importance of cherishing the moments spent with family and friends.
May Day, known as "Vappu" in Finnish, is celebrated on May 1st. It is a significant cultural holiday in Finland, marking the arrival of spring and the labor movement. People gather in parks and public spaces, wearing white student caps and colorful overalls. Festivities include picnics, music, and the consumption of sima (a homemade mead) and munkki (donuts). May Day represents the spirit of unity and the importance of social equality, with a particular emphasis on students and workers coming together to celebrate their culture and achievements.
Mother's Day, or "Äitienpäivä," is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It's a day to honor and show appreciation to mothers and mother figures. People give gifts, cards, and flowers to express their love and gratitude. Families often spend quality time together. Mother's Day is culturally important as it emphasizes the role of mothers in Finnish society and the value of strong family bonds. It's a day to recognize and celebrate the love and sacrifices of mothers.
Ascension Day, known as "Helatorstai" in Finnish, is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. People attend church services and engage in religious activities. Ascension Day is culturally significant as it reaffirms the Christian faith and the importance of spirituality in Finnish culture. It brings the Christian community together to reflect on their beliefs and strengthen their sense of devotion.
Whit Sunday, or "Helluntaipäivä," is observed 50 days after Easter. It signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Finns attend church services and participate in religious events to mark this occasion. Whit Sunday is culturally significant as it deepens the spiritual ties within the Christian community in Finland and encourages believers to strengthen their faith. It highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith and culture.
Midsummer Eve, known as "Juhannusaatto," is celebrated on the Friday between June 19th and June 25th. It is one of the most anticipated holidays in Finland, marking the summer solstice. Celebrations include lighting bonfires, dancing around maypoles, and enjoying outdoor activities. Traditional dishes like new potatoes, pickled herring, and strawberry desserts are served. Midsummer Eve is culturally important as it connects Finns to their nature-loving roots and celebrates the abundance of summer, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Midsummer, or "Juhannuspäivä," falls on the Saturday following Midsummer Eve. It is a continuation of the Midsummer celebrations. Families and friends gather for outdoor festivities, including barbecues, saunas, and swimming in lakes. It is a time to enjoy the beauty of Finnish nature and the extended daylight hours. Midsummer reinforces the cultural tradition of embracing the outdoors and appreciating the natural wonders of Finland, promoting a strong sense of connection to the environment and a spirit of camaraderie among the people.
All Saints' Day, known as "Pyhäinpäivä," is celebrated on the first Saturday of November. It is a day to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Finns visit cemeteries to light candles and leave flowers at the graves of family members. All Saints' Day emphasizes the cultural importance of remembering and paying respects to those who have passed away, fostering a sense of reverence and keeping the memory of loved ones alive in Finnish culture.
Father's Day, or "Isänpäivä," is celebrated on the second Sunday in November. It's a day to show appreciation for fathers and father figures. Families give gifts and spend quality time together. Father's Day is culturally significant as it highlights the role of fathers in Finnish families and acknowledges their love and support. It's a day to strengthen the bond between fathers and their children, promoting a sense of gratitude and love within the family unit.
Independence Day, known as "Itsenäisyyspäivä," is celebrated on December 6th. It marks Finland's declaration of independence from Russia in 1917. The day is observed with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and various cultural events. Finns often light two candles in their windows as a symbol of independence. Independence Day is culturally significant as it commemorates the nation's history and the spirit of freedom, fostering a strong sense of patriotism and unity among the Finnish people.
Christmas Eve, known as "Jouluaatto," is celebrated on December 24th and is one of the most cherished holidays in Finland. It is a time for families to come together and exchange gifts. Traditional Finnish Christmas foods, such as ham, casseroles, and gingerbread cookies, are enjoyed. Churches hold Christmas services, and many Finns visit cemeteries to light candles in memory of the departed. Christmas Eve is culturally important as it encapsulates the spirit of togetherness, joy, and the warmth of family bonds during the holiday season.
Christmas Day, known as "Joulupäivä," falls on December 25th and is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations. It is a day for relaxation, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Families often visit each other, share meals, and exchange gifts. Christmas Day reinforces the cultural tradition of family togetherness and the importance of cherishing the moments spent with family and friends during the holiday season.
Boxing Day, or "Tapaninpäivä," is observed on December 26th. It is a day to continue the Christmas celebrations and often involves visiting friends and family. The name "Boxing Day" originates from the tradition of giving alms to the less fortunate, symbolized by placing a box for donations in churches. Boxing Day emphasizes the cultural importance of generosity and caring for those in need during the holiday season, fostering a spirit of goodwill and compassion in Finnish society.
New Year's Eve, known as "Uudenvuodenaatto" in Finnish, is celebrated on December 31st as the year comes to a close. It's a night of festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks to welcome the approaching new year. Families and friends come together to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in Finland.
