Public Holidays in Finland for 2026

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world today. This festive occasion is steeped in traditions and cultural significance across various societies. It is often associated with fresh starts, resolutions, and reflections on the past year. Interestingly, the earliest recorded New Year’s celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where the new year was celebrated during the vernal equinox. Today, festivities include fireworks, parades, and gatherings with family and friends. Many cultures have unique customs, such as the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck or the Scottish practice of “first-footing,” where the first visitor to a home after midnight brings gifts. New Year’s Day not only signifies a time for renewal but also serves as a reminder of the universal hope for peace, prosperity, and joy in the year ahead.

Epiphany Introduction

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi or Wise Men to the infant Jesus. This holiday, also known as Theophany in some traditions, signifies the culmination of the Christmas season. In many cultures, it is associated with various customs, such as the blessing of water in Eastern Orthodox churches to commemorate the baptism of Jesus. In Spain and Latin America, it is celebrated with the “Dia de los Reyes,” where children receive gifts, mirroring the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to Jesus. The day also holds significance in various Christian denominations, highlighting themes of divine revelation and the universality of Christ’s message. Epiphany serves as a reminder of the light brought into the world, encouraging reflection on faith, generosity, and the importance of recognizing the divine in everyday life.

Valentine’s Day Introduction

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is a day dedicated to love and affection between intimate partners. Its origins trace back to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia honored fertility. Over the centuries, it evolved into a more romantic celebration, largely attributed to Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by marrying couples in secret. Today, it is marked by exchanging cards, flowers, and chocolates, with over 145 million Valentine’s Day cards sent each year in the U.S. alone. Interestingly, countries around the world celebrate love in unique ways, with some observing it as a day of friendship or gratitude. This global celebration reflects the universal human desire to express love, making Valentine’s Day a cherished occasion for millions.

March Equinox Introduction

The March Equinox, also known as the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, marks a significant moment in the astronomical calendar, occurring around March 20 or 21 each year. This event signifies the transition from winter to spring, when day and night are roughly equal in length, highlighting the balance of light and darkness. Cultures worldwide celebrate this time as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Ancient civilizations, such as the Persians with their Nowruz festival, and the Mayans with their springtime ceremonies, honored the equinox as a time of agricultural awakening. Interestingly, the March Equinox not only influences nature but also impacts human behavior and festivities, inspiring themes of fertility and growth. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical patterns of life, encouraging communities to embrace the changing season with various rituals, festivals, and traditions.

Good Friday Introduction

Good Friday, observed by Christians around the world, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a solemn day of reflection and mourning. Falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it is part of Holy Week, which also includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. The day is characterized by various traditions such as church services, fasting, and the Stations of the Cross. Interestingly, Good Friday is not a fixed date; it varies each year, as it is determined by the lunar calendar, aligning with the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Many countries observe it as a public holiday, with unique customs, like the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion in some cultures. Despite its somber nature, Good Friday serves as a significant reminder of sacrifice and redemption in the Christian faith.