Vappu Explained: Here’s How Families Celebrate in Finland

What is Vappu?

Vappu is one of Finland’s most joyful and colorful holidays, celebrated every year on May 1st.

Vappu marks both the arrival of spring and the International Worker’s Day, also called Labor Day or May Day.

This spring celebration is loved by both children and adults in Finland.

It’s all about having fun, spending time outside, and enjoying simple things, like balloons, picnics, and sweet treats.

Why is Vappu Special for Families?

May 1st is officially Labor Day in Finland, a national holiday that honors worker’s and the history of the labor movement.

At the same time it’s also the biggest celebration of the year for students (especially at universities).

Every student community has their own festive traditions and rituals.

One of the most visible Vappu traditions is the sea of white student caps you’ll see in every street and city square across Finland.

Every Finn who has graduated from high school has the right to wear their graduation cap proudly all day long.

But, how do families with young children celebrate Vappu in Finland?

Today May 1st is best known as a fun spring celebration that is all about community, togetherness, and taking a moment to enjoy the start of spring, no matter how cold it is!

In Finland, you’ll see people wearing funny costumes, and gathering with friends and family in parks or city squares.

Although it might look like a fun day mainly for students and adults, Vappu is just as much a joyful springtime celebration for families with children.

Every city has its own set location where Vappu festivities take place each year.

For families with young kids, Vappu is all about laughter, play, and spending time together.

In many cities, there are fun May Day activities specifically for kids, like…

• spotting helium balloons with familiar cartoon characters (our toddler is all about Peppa Pig right now),
• bouncing in inflatable castles,
• watching parades with vintage cars, or
• visiting stalls that sell cotton candy or traditional Vappu treats like munkki (sugar-coated donuts) and sima (a homemade sparkling lemonade).

Family-Friendly Vappu Traditions

May 1st is full of joy, color, and playful traditions that are easy for kids to enjoy.

You don’t need to live in Finland to try these!

Some ideas that many Finnish families love:

• Blow bubbles or play with helium balloons; this is a favorite for little ones!
• Make (or buy) sweet treats like munkki (donuts), tippaleipä (a crispy funnel cake), and sima (a sparkling lemonade).
• Plan a fun picnic, indoors or out, with juice, sparkling lemonade and sweet snacks.
• Dress up in silly hats or bright clothes. In Finland, adults wear their white graduation caps on Vappu, it’s a proud tradition!
• Hang up colorful paper streamers from ceilings, walls, or outdoor spaces to add a festive atmosphere.
• Put on happy music and dance around the living room.
• Do a simple Vappu-themed craft.

These little things bring big joy!

How You Can Celebrate Vappu with Your Family (Wherever You Are)

Even if you’re not in Finland, you can bring the feeling of Vappu into your home.

It’s really about spending time together with friends and family, and celebrating the start of spring.

You could decorate your home with streamers, balloons, or handmade crafts.

Serve donuts or try a fun snack your family loves.

Put on music and create your own May Day parade in your hallway.

The key is to keep it light and playful.

Vappu Around the World: Easy Ways to Celebrate with Kids

Vappu is one of my absolute favorite celebrations of the year.

No matter if you’re in Finland, or anywhere else in the world, you can enjoy the spirit of Vappu by bringing a bit of extra fun into your home for May 1st.

There are so many ways to make this springtime celebration memorable for the whole family.

I hope this post has inspired you to try out some Vappu traditions with your kids.

Let me know in the comments how you and your family celebrate springtime and what traditions you love most!