Καλή Πρωτομαγιά! Institute’s May Day greetings

The institute is closed on Thursday 1st of May 2025.


Read below how May Day is celebrated in Greece & in Finland:

On the 1st of May, known as Protomagia, Greeks celebrate the arrival of spring. Flowers are central to the festivities, and many people travel to the countryside where they gather wildflowers for handmade wreaths. These floral wreaths are then hung on doors or placed at home entrances as a symbol of renewal. In cities, people often buy flowers for their wreaths from local florists. The tradition of celebrating Protomagia dates back to ancient Greece!
In Finland, May Day is called Vappu, a name that originates from Saint Walpurga, a Catholic saint commemorated on May 1st. Once an elite spring celebration, Vappu evolved into a tribute to labor rights in the 1970s. Nowadays the most visible group of celebrants are the students. The celebrations begin on April 30th, and continue through May 1st. One of the most iconic traditions takes place on April 30th in Helsinki, where crowds gather around the Havis Amanda statue near the Market Square. At precisely 6:00 PM, the statue is ceremoniously "capped" with a white student cap, marking the official start of Vappu. On May 1st, it’s a tradition to gather with friends and family for a picnic, enjoying Vappu treats like sima (a sweet, sparkling beverage) and the sugary pastries tippaleipä and munkki.

Happy May Day! Καλή Πρωτομαγιά!