New Years Day
A nationwide public holiday, the Finns celebrate the beginning of the new year as a time for reflection and quiet family get-togethers. Saunas are of course always busy at this time.

Easter
Beginning in March and running through until April, Easter in Finland as well as being a deeply religious time, is a time for children to enjoy pastimes such as decorating eggs and making Easter cards. Palm Sunday also sees children don costumes as Easter witches and go from door to door in their neighbourhoods reciting verses in exchange for gifts and sweets.

April Jazz Espoo
Held in Tapiola in the greater Helsinki area, the Jazz Espoo brings together big names from Finnish and international jazz for five days of performances. Top musicians frequently top the bill with past stars including Nina Simone, Ray Charles and Joe Zawinul.

Kalott Jazz & Blues Festival
Held in Tornio and Haparanda, this event sees various venues showcasing the best of Finnish and Swedish talent as well as famous international performers in the genre of jazz music. The event is exceedingly popular and is renowned for its uncompromising quality.

Amateur Dramatics Festival
Held across the country, this event sees amateur theatre groups, which have been selected by competition, present various performances in traditional styles of theatre, dance and music.

Eteläpohjalaiset Spelit at Suupohja
Held in southern Ostrobothnia, this annual festival is a celebration of dance and folk music and sees a variety of performances in both genres as well as numerous poetry recitals.

Helsinki Festival 
Commencing in August and running for 17 days until the beginning of September, the Helsinki Festival is the country’s biggest annual event and sees a wide variety of culturally-inclined proceedings which include brass band and classical music performances, photography exhibitions, dance exhibitions and more.

Oulainen Music Week
Oulainen Music Week is one of northern Finland’s leading cultural events and presents seven days of musical performances from genres such as classical, folk and jazz as well as music and entertainment aimed at children.

All Saints Day
A public holiday on the first of the month gives Finns the chance to go to church and celebrate this popular religious festival.

Independence Day
On this national holiday, Finns celebrate the country’s declaration of independence following its wartime occupation by the Russian empire. Helsinki sees the biggest celebrations with a religious service at its cathedral followed by a gala reception.

National Public Holidays
New Years Day: Jan 1
Epiphany: Jan 6
Easter: Mar (dates vary)
May Day: May 1
Ascension Day: May 5
Midsummer’s Day: Jun 25
All Saints’ Day: Nov 1
Independence Day: Dec 6
Christmas: Dec 24-26