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In Finland, many of the country's celebrations are closely linked to unique, seasonal foods. These traditions reflect Finnish culture, history, and connection to nature. Here's a look at some key Finnish festivities and the special dishes that accompany them:
Photo: Kinuski Kissa
J.L. Runeberg’s Day (Runebergin Päivä) – February 5th
Named after Finland's national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, this day is celebrated with Runebergintorttu, a delicious torte flavoured with almonds and often soaked in rum or arrack. It’s topped with raspberry jam and is a staple in Finnish cafés during the month of February. Runeberg, whose patriotic poems inspired the nation, is honoured each year through this treat, which is said to have been created by his wife.
Photo: Valio
Shrove Tuesday (Laskiainen) – February or March
Laskiainen marks the beginning of Lent and combines Christian customs with Finnish folk traditions. People often spend the day sledding and then enjoy hearty meals. The iconic food for Laskiainen is Laskiaispulla, a sweet bun flavoured with cardamom and filled with whipped cream and jam (or almond paste). It’s a popular treat after outdoor winter activities like sledding.
Photo: Soili Jussila
Easter (Pääsiäinen)
Finnish Easter celebrations feature unique foods such as Mämmi, a sweet and dense rye pudding that is traditionally eaten with cream and sugar. While Mämmi may be an acquired taste, it’s a favourite during Easter in Finland. Another popular Easter treat is Pasha, a creamy dessert of Russian origin, typically enjoyed in Eastern Finland.
Photo: Wikipedia
May Day (Vappu) – April 30 - May 1
Vappu is Finland’s vibrant celebration of spring, often associated with student culture and labour movements. Finns enjoy street carnivals and picnics, with foods like tippaleipä, a funnel cake-like fried pastry, and sima, a type of mead, a refreshing home-brewed drink made with lemons, brown sugar, and yeast. The joyful atmosphere of Vappu is complemented by these sweet treats, perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Photo: Valio
Midsummer (Juhannus) – June
Celebrating the summer solstice, Midsummer is one of Finland’s most cherished holidays. The food revolves around fresh, seasonal ingredients, with Uudet perunat ja silli - boiled new potatoes with dill and pickled herring - being the quintessential dish. Barbecues are common, with grilled sausages and fresh salads on the menu. For dessert, Finns enjoy pancakes with fresh strawberries, symbolising the start of the berry season.
Photo: Yachts Agent
Crayfish Party (Rapujuhlat) – Late July to Early September
Rapujuhlat is Finland’s festive celebration of crayfish season, which runs from late July through early autumn. The parties are often held outdoors near water, with tables adorned with crayfish, boiled in a dill-infused broth. Guests wear bibs, sing traditional drinking songs, and enjoy their crayfish with buttered toast and schnapps. These gatherings mark the end of summer and are a beloved tradition that brings friends and family together.
Photo: Satu Koivisto
Venetsialaiset – Late August
Venetsialaiset is Finland’s end-of-summer celebration, often referred to as the festival of light, water, and fire. Traditionally held during the last weekend of August, this event marks the conclusion of the summer cottage and boating season. Originally inspired by Venetian festivals, Venetsialaiset involves lighting up the night with lanterns, bonfires, and fireworks, particularly in coastal and lakeside areas. Tables are filled with seasonal harvest foods, and the atmosphere is festive and reflective, as Finns say goodbye to the long summer days.
Photo: Meira
Kekri – Late October to Early November
Kekri is Finland’s ancient harvest festival, traditionally celebrated as a way to mark the end of the agricultural year. Reviving this festival today, Finns honour the spirits of ancestors and give thanks for the season’s bounty. Kekri feasts feature roasted meats, especially lamb, fresh bread, and root vegetables, all representing the fruits of the harvest. In modern times, bonfires and public events bring communities together to celebrate, making it a growing autumn tradition.
Photo: Visit Finland/Jussi Hellsten
Christmas (Joulu) – December
Finnish Christmas is a time for family and feasting. A unique Finnish tradition is the rice porridge (Riisipuuro) served on Christmas Eve, often with a hidden almond - whoever finds it is believed to have good luck in the coming year. The centrepiece of the Finnish Christmas table is Joululaatikot, a trio of Christmas casseroles made from carrot, potato, and rutabaga (swede). In addition to these hearty dishes, pickled herring (silli) plays an important role in the Christmas spread, served in variations such as mustard herring and herring in garlic sauce, often enjoyed with rye bread. These tangy and savoury herring dishes complement the richness of the casseroles and the Christmas ham. Another classic dish is Rosolli, a colourful salad made from boiled root vegetables like beetroot, carrots, and potatoes, typically topped with a creamy dressing. Joulutorttu, a puff pastry shaped like a star and filled with sweet plum jam, is another beloved Christmas treat.
Beyond the feasting, Christmas markets are a highlight of the season. Visitors can stroll through stalls offering handcrafted goods and seasonal treats. One of the most popular delights at these markets is glögi, a spiced hot wine often served with almonds and raisins, providing a cosy way to warm up in the winter chill. Gingerbread cookies, or piparkakku, are another festive staple, often enjoyed alongside glögi or even with a savoury twist, paired with blue cheese.
Photo: Lotta Aberg
Each of these celebrations brings its own unique culinary traditions, providing a tasty insight into Finland’s culture and seasonal changes. Whether it’s the light and sweet sima of Vappu to celebrate the arrival of spring or the rich, comforting casseroles of Christmas that bring families together, Finnish celebrations offer something delicious and meaningful for every season.
Experiencing Finnish festivities and food firsthand is a wonderful way to connect with local traditions and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture. Whether it’s a Midsummer bonfire, a festive Rapujuhlat by the lake, or a magical Christmas experience that includes a visit to bustling markets and warming up with glögi and gingerbread, fine by nature can help you integrate these seasonal festivals into your holiday. From curated culinary experiences to guided tours that bring Finnish culture to life, we specialise in crafting unique journeys that allow you to explore these traditions and taste the flavours that define each celebration. Let us help you create a memorable trip that blends culture, food, and Finland’s natural beauty.
For inspiration, have a look at our Culinary Escapes.
Photo: Visit Finland/ElinaManninen
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