I never thought much of the Eve of First of May or First of May until I moved to Helsinki. In my small town, these days consisted of seeing more balloons than usual and going to a special lunch with my parents where some people wore their student caps, but that was it. So when I got to experience my first vappu in Helsinki, I was in for quite a shock. The streets were full of celebrating people and there was an overall feeling of joy at the arrival of spring. It’s no surprise that at this time of the year, when bubbly wine flows free, interesting stories are born. Our veteran vappu people have also gathered a few tips and ideas for your vappu. Here is what members of the BTSB staff have to say about vappu celebrations: On May Day, put on your overalls and the (previously) white cap, and head towards Kaivopuisto. If all your friends are too hung over to join you, you will only need one artifact to get new friends quickly: a songbook. Finns are eager singers after a few beers, and a sing-along always gets people?s spirits up (even if it rains)! -Anonymous
Vappu, weather permitting, can often be one of the greatest days of the year. By this point, spring is (hopefully) in the air and most people are winding down with their studies. The sun is shining, the hats are on, and, perhaps best of all, you get to wear your overalls! There's truly nothing quite like getting to sit in a park with some of your closest friends, having a few drinks, and enjoying the great outdoors for the first time in a long time. This is what Vappu should be. So let me give one bit of advice. Speaking from experience, the most important bit of advice I can give is don't pull an all-nighter the day before the festivities... Like I did last year. Because then you'll spend every minute of Vappu Eve completely hungover... Yes, like I did last year. Trust me when I say this, Vappu is not nearly as much fun when you're hung over. So keep it in your flask until the 30th and all will be well. -Anonymous
Live for the moment. In a student’s life, the spring is always a hectic time. Deadlines and exams just pile on top of each other, not to mention the stress about starting a new summer job or getting one if you are still looking. But vappu is a time, a couple of days, when it’s best to let go of the constant feeling of I-need-to-get-this-done and just look around and realize things are pretty good. Another winter beaten. Another hot summer ahead. I’ll tip my hat and raise my glass to this thought. -Anonymous
May Day, or Vappu, if you will, is a holiday for celebrating the worker. So, what better way to celebrate May Day than to work a night shift and receive double the pay you would usually gain while doing so? If you want to join me in enjoying a true worker's holiday, come to McDonald's on Isoroobertin Katu 1! (Please do, I could use the company.) -Anonymous
The staff of BTSB wish everyone a fabulously fun vappu!
