Finland's largest public celebration, Vappu, is set to peak on April 30, known as Vappu Eve, with Helsinki bracing for up to 100,000 revellers. The event draws massive crowds for the traditional capping of the Havis Amanda statue, and the city is preparing for its biggest annual outdoor event.
The capping ceremony at Market Square will take place at 18:00 on April 30. Students wearing white hats will gather across the city to mark the occasion. Kaisaniemi Park will host picnics that can attract over 50,000 people. To accommodate the large numbers, public transport will increase service and several streets will close. The Finnish Meteorological Institute predicts mild temperatures around 12°C for the day.
Police will maintain a visible presence to manage crowds and prevent alcohol-related incidents. This is a key part of the city's planning for the event. The Vappu celebration is a major fixture in Finland's calendar, and this year's edition is expected to be one of the largest yet. Search activity for events, weather, and traffic typically spikes in the 24 hours before the celebration, according to predictive data.