Legally Recognised Holidays

Generally these days are work-free, but some service industries like cafés, bakeries, restaurants and cinemas are open. The religious importance is generally seen as being on the decline.

Jan 01 2006	Sun		New Year´s Day	Jan 01 2007	Mon		New Year´s Day
Jan 06 2006	Fri	†	Epiphany	Jan 06 2007	Sat	†	Epiphany
Apr 14 2006	Fri	†	Good Friday	Apr 06 2007	Fri	†	Good Friday
Apr 16 2006	Sun	†	Easter	Apr 08 2007	Sun	†	Easter
Apr 17 2006	Mon	†	Easter Monday	Apr 09 2007	Mon	†	Easter Monday
May 01 2006	Mon		Labour Day	May 01 2007	Tue		Labour Day
May 25 2006	Thu	†	Ascension Day	May 17 2007	Thu	†	Ascension Day
Jun 04 2006	Sun	†	Whitsun	May 27 2007	Sun	†	Whitsun
Jun 23 2006	Fri		Midsummer eve	Jun 22 2007	Fri		Midsummer eve
Jun 24 2006	Sat		Midsummer day	Jun 23 2007	Sat		Midsummer day
Dec 06 2006	Wed		Independence day Finland	Dec 06 2007	Thu		Independence day Finland
Dec 25 2006	Mon	†	Christmas	Dec 25 2007	Tue	†	Christmas
Dec 26 2006	Tue	†	St. Stephen´s Day	Dec 26 2007	Wed	†	St. Stephen´s Day

Non Legally Recognised Holidays

Apr 30 2006	Sun		Walpurgis Night	Apr 30 2007	Mon		Walpurgis Night
May 14 2006	Sun		Mother´s Day	May 13 2007	Sun		Mother´s Day
Dec 03 2006	Sun	†	First Advent	Dec 02 2007	Sun	†	First Advent
Dec 10 2006	Sun	†	Second Advent	Dec 09 2007	Sun	†	Second Advent
Dec 17 2006	Sun	†	Third Advent	Dec 16 2007	Sun	†	Third Advent
Dec 24 2006	Sun	†	Fourth Advent	Dec 23 2007	Sun	†	Fourth Advent
Dec 24 2006	Sun	†	Christmas Eve	Dec 24 2007	Mon	†	Christmas Eve
Dec 31 2006	Sun		New Year´s Eve	Dec 31 2007	Mon		New Year´s Eve

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Advent (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The Latin word "adventus" means "arrival". It refers to the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus on the first day of Christmas. Many families have what is known as an "Adventskranz" ("Advent crown") with 4 candles. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. During Advent, sweet pastries are often eaten and Christmas decorations are put up around the home. An Advent Calendar is often made or bought for children. The calendar has 24 windows with small presents or pictures behind each window, for each day from the 1st until the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.

Ascension Day
Christian recognition of the departure of Jesus from earth after the resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity. It is observed with worship including prayers and music

Christmas
Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties

Christmas Eve
Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals

Easter / Easter Monday
The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades

Epiphany
Christian commemoration of the manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some. For others the Baptism of Jesus is the remembered event. A season of the Christian year from the close of Christmas to the beginning of Lent. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

Good Friday
Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events

St. Stephen´s Day
Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr

Whitsun / Whit Monday
Whitsun or Pentecost is celebrated with Whit Sunday and Whit Monday. This is the 50th day after Easter. This commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost among the apostles of Jesus, which was the starting point of their missionary work. Whitsun can therefore be described as the birthday of the church. Whit Monday is a public holiday.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

New Year´s Eve / Day
The beginning of a new year is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1st. Just like in many other countries, there are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and at midnight there are fireworks as a salute to the New Year. January 1st New Year’s Day is a national public holiday.

Mother´s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothers are given flowers and presents by their children.