The capital region celebrates May Day in many different ways, with people gathering and enjoying each other's company. This year's celebrations in Helsinki offer something for everyone - whether it's a traditional picnic in the park, the exhilaration of a group of students, or a seaside experience.
At SunLines, we want to give you the best May Day experience possible, so we've put together a comprehensive guide to the city's May Day celebrations. In particular, we recommend our unique Vappur Cruise, one of Helsinki's best May Day experiences - a party at sea offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the spring festival! Discover with us the most atmospheric party venues in Helsinki and find your favourite!
What are the most popular areas in Helsinki to celebrate May Day?
Helsinki's celebrations are concentrated in several key parks and cultural sites, each with its own unique atmosphere. Ullanlinnanmäki and Kaivopuisto stand out as the city's most popular May Day picnic destinations. The wide grassy areas of these adjacent parks are filled with thousands of revelers, and the atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful. Ullanlinnanmäki attracts a younger crowd, while Kaivopuisto is popular with families and slightly older revellers. Havis Amanda or ”Manta” is the symbolic centre of the holiday. The area around the statue, near the Market Square, fills up on May Day, when students gather to watch the swearing-in ceremony. The area has a true student spirit and is the perfect place for those who want to experience the traditional rituals of the holiday. Kaisaniemi Park offers a quieter alternative, but close to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The park's wide grassy areas are filled with picnic blankets, and the atmosphere is slightly less crowded than in Kaivopuisto. The Senate Square and its surroundings are lively during the festive season, and the historic setting adds its own special value to the celebrations. The area is particularly suitable for those who want to combine the celebration with urban culture and sightseeing.When do the May Day celebrations start in Helsinki?
The Helsinki May Day season officially kicks off when Havis Amanda receives her school-leaving certificate on May Day at 18:00. This traditional ceremony attracts thousands of curious onlookers and is for many a sign of the true beginning of the holiday. The ceremony is preceded by a series of student-organised events starting at mid-morning in various parts of the city. The day before Shrove Tuesday is particularly busy, with many student organisations organising their own events. For many students, this ”Eve of May Day” is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. The picnics on May Bank Holiday usually start at 10-11am in the morning. Party-goers arrive in the parks early to get the best seats. The actual celebrations continue in the parks until the afternoon and early evening, depending on the weather. At SunLines we organise a special for the May Day cruise, which is one of the best experiences in Helsinki. The cruise departs from the harbour at 19:00 on May Day, just after the Manga's sweep, offering an ideal after-party location. The four-hour cruise offers a great opportunity to celebrate the May Day in style in a maritime setting and admire the Helsinki coastline in the spring sunshine. On our cruise, you can enjoy the popular Taco fiesta buffet and party atmosphere on board the M/S Emma without the crowds and leg rush of the parks.How to get between the parties in Helsinki?
During the holiday season Helsinki public transport will follow the special timetables, designed to serve the festive public efficiently. HSL will increase services, especially between the city centre and popular May Day areas. On May Day and Boxing Day, many services will run later, and frequencies have been increased at the busiest times. SunLines offers one of the best and most memorable festive experiences in Helsinki on May Day - a sea cruise that gives a unique perspective on the city's May Day celebrations. Our M/S Emma sails around the archipelago off the coast of Helsinki, and you'll see familiar land-based celebrations from a whole new perspective. Our cruise also offers transport, party space and catering - all in one package! Cycling is a popular and ecological way to get around between May Day parties. The city's city bikes are available, with stations near all the main celebration areas. However, cyclists should be aware that cycle paths can be congested and there are many pedestrians in the city centre. Walking routes between the celebrations are often the quickest and most convenient way to get from one place to another. The city centre's May Day attractions are within walking distance of each other: for example, you can walk from Havis Amanda to Ullanlinna Hill in around 20 minutes, and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach along the way.- Kaivopuisto - Ullanlinnanmäki: 5-10 min walk
- Ullanlinnanmäki - Havis Amanda: 15-20 min walk
- Havis Amanda - Senate Square: 5-7 min walk
- Senate Square - Kaisaniemi Park: 10-15 min walk
What to take with you to an Easter picnic in Helsinki?
A successful May Day picnic in Helsinki requires careful preparation. Dressing for the weather is crucial, as the Finnish May Day can be anything from sunny to almost winter. Layering is a good idea: in addition to warm clothes, it's a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Sunglasses and a hat will protect you from both the sun and the cool wind. For picnic equipment, a picnic blanket or mat (preferably moisture-retaining), disposable containers or lightweight picnic containers, as well as napkins and wet wipes are essential. Having your own bag for rubbish is an environmentally friendly solution, as litter bins in parks fill up quickly. The traditional treats on Easter are crumpets, doughnuts, sima and sausages. It's also a good idea to pack fruit, snacks and refreshing drinks for a picnic. A hot drink in a thermos is often useful in the cool spring weather. When you join a SunLines Easter cruise, you'll enjoy one of the best and most hassle-free Easter experiences - no need to bring your own snacks, picnic supplies or worry about the rain, as we offer our popular Taco Fiesta buffet, the perfect Easter meal. On our cruise, you'll see all of Helsinki's May Day festivities from the sea - all you need to bring is the right clothes and a festive May Day atmosphere!What are the options for a bad weather holiday in Helsinki?
Although we hope for sunshine, sometimes it is rainy or cold in Helsinki. Indoor options are then appreciated. Many restaurants in the city centre organise May Day brunches and lunches, where you can enjoy traditional May Day delicacies in a warm and dry environment. SunLines' Vappur Cruise is definitely one of the best options in Helsinki for spending the New Year, whatever the weather. It is especially perfect in case of bad weather. Our M/S Emma offers shelter from the rain and wind, but at the same time you get to enjoy a true May Day atmosphere and stunning seascapes. Even if the weather is challenging, our cruise will keep the atmosphere warm and festive. With panoramic views of the sea from our indoor facilities, you won't miss out on any of the May Day scenery, even if you're enjoying the party indoors.The best of the best - SunLines' guide to May Day
Helsinki's May Day celebrations are full of traditions and memorable moments. Have a happy New Year to make sure we recommend arriving early, as the best picnic spots in Kaivopuisto and Ullanlinnanmäki, for example, fill up quickly. Remember to be prepared for the changeable weather and take care of yourself and the surroundings during the celebrations. May Day party checklist:- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
- Bring cash and download the HSL app on your phone
- Follow the cleanliness guidelines for parks and public areas
- Find out about the programme in the different regions in advance
- Book any restaurant and cruise experiences well in advance
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