Holidays in the country as a mirror reflect the national characteristics and spirit of the nation. On holidays, the whole of Finland rests, businesses are closed, employees of banks, museums, shops and even cafes and restaurants do not go to work. Reduced the work of public transport, intercity buses and electric trains. Holidays in Finland people prefer to celebrate in the family, with friends.
The number of public holidays in Finland is small compared to, for example, Russia, all of them are declared official public holidays. One of the most important and revered holidays, the Finns consider Christmas (December 25), they begin to prepare for it in November, with the beginning of the post. This time is called "Small Christmas", city streets are everywhere adorned with garlands, Christmas markets start to work, carnivals and performances are organized where gnomes and elves participate.
Christmas is followed by the celebration of the New Year (January 1), a plentiful family dinner is prepared, mainly consisting of traditional dishes, followed by a walk with various entertainments.
Easter holidays last 4 days in Finland (the first day of the holiday, as a rule, falls on April 6-9), starting on Friday and ending with Monday, these days most people try to go out into the countryside.
Holidays and Festivals in Finland
In addition to state, there are national holidays in Finland, the days on which they fall are not days off. Such holidays in Finland are very often combined with festivals, for example the Herring Festival . It takes place every year in Helsinki, in early October, beginning usually from 1 to 5 in number.
At the end of February 28th, the Day of the National Epos of Kalevala is celebrated, it is very popular in the country. On this day there is a carnival with the participation of the heroes of the ancient epic.
A lot of different unique festivals, especially musical ones, are in the summer, literally every weekend they go under the open sky. Are held in Finland, as well, and marine, sports, beer, theater, fishing, various children's festivals. Finns are very active by nature people, so in their country annually held more than 80 different festivals in different cities.
In March, two more holidays are held in Finland, which are international: on 8 March (the Women's Day) and on 4 March - the Maslenitsa analogue, called "Fat Tuesday", it marks the beginning of Lent.