My name is Ruvindu, Rue for short. If you’ve been around Tampere during April, you’ve probably noticed something a bit unusual. No matter where you go, people are walking around in colorful overalls like it’s completely normal. At some point, you stop questioning it and just accept it. Okay, yeah, Vappu is here!
In this blog, I want to share my Wappu experience from last year and this year so far, and also talk about what’s still coming up so you don’t miss out on one of the biggest student celebrations in Finland.
What Vappu Is All About
Vappu, the Finnish version of May Day, originally comes from Saint Walpurgis. Over time, it became associated with Labour Day, but nowadays it’s really more about students, graduation, and celebrating the end of the academic year. And in Tampere, it turns into something on a completely different level.
“Suomen suurin wappu” which translates to Finland’s biggest wappu is mainly organized by TREY and the Teekkari Union, but the whole student community joins in. Every association, every club, everyone has something going on. So for a few weeks straight, there’s always an event somewhere, and your calendar slowly starts filling up whether you planned it or not.
If you are wondering, why sometimes we say Wappu and not Vappu, let me explain. Vappu is the official name of the holiday, but as students we say Wappu when we talk about the student holiday that is celebrated for several weeks.
The Essentials: Vappu Food
Another thing you’ll quickly realize is that Vappu is also a food season. You’ll see people constantly walking around with tippaleipä, munkki, and sima. Tippaleipä is basically a Finnish version of a funnel cake, munkki are sugary donuts that somehow disappear in seconds, and sima is a sweet lemon-flavored drink.
Be careful, though, you will never be able to eat just one munkki and call it quits. They are addictive.
My Experience So Far
This year, I’ve been going around Tampere attending different events, and it’s been genuinely fun. One of the highlights was Wappustartti, organized by PIRATE, TTO, TIRO, and Tamko. It took place in Ratinanniemi on a really nice sunny day, which already made everything better.
There were multiple checkpoints with different tasks, and once we collected enough stamps, we got a Wappustartti patch. My favorite moment was definitely building a human pyramid with my friends. I’m not sure how it didn’t collapse instantly, but I’ll take it as a win.
I was also working there as a photographer, so I got to see everything from both sides, being part of the event and also capturing it. It was really nice just seeing so many people enjoying themselves.
Another event I really liked was Tassuterapia – Paw therapy at Sorsapuisto. It had a much calmer vibe, with lots of dogs, cats, and even rabbits. The weather turned a bit gloomy later, but honestly, once you’re petting a sausage dog, the weather doesn’t really matter.
A Personal Favorite
One of my absolute favorite events wasn’t even officially part of Wappu, which was Särkänmärkä at Särkänniemi. It was just one of those days where everything worked. Good vibes, fun rides, and a really nice atmosphere overall, except for the brief period it snowed. The weather in April is honestly so unpredictable.
However, there was even a performance by Robin, which made things so much better. Definitely one of those events where you just enjoy the moment without thinking too much.
The Teemutour Challenge
One thing that adds a fun twist to Wappu is the Teemutour. The idea is simple: you attend events, collect stamps, and depending on how many you get, you earn a patch. Sounds easy… until you realize how many events there actually are.
You’ll start telling yourself, “Okay, I’ll just go to a few,” and suddenly you’re planning your days around getting one more stamp. It’s lowkey addictive, and you won’t believe how dedicated people are to completing that.
– Emäteemu (23)
– Wappuhäslä (16)
– Wappulusmu (8)
Is the tier list.
Being Part of the Experience
This year, I also got to experience Wappu from the organizing side. I took part in Werkkowappu, organized by HUMAKO, as a checkpoint holder. It was really nice to see online students getting a chance to be part of Wappu as well.
That’s one thing I’ve really come to appreciate, Wappu isn’t just about big crowds or big events, it’s also about making sure everyone can be part of it in some way.
What’s Coming Next
As Wappu reaches its final days, things start getting more serious.
On April 30th, Vappu Eve, the day starts with the crowning of the statue of Minna Canth in Hämeenpuisto. There are speeches, people start putting on their caps, and you can feel the build-up starting.
Then at Frenckell Square, the Oath of Wappu takes place, officially marking the beginning of the celebration with speeches and performances. It’s one of those moments where you realize, okay, this is actually happening now.
Later that night comes the big one, the capping ceremony at Häme Bridge. Thousands of people gather, and right at midnight, teekkaris put on their caps, and Vappu Day officially begins. It gets crowded, a bit chaotic, but the atmosphere is something else.
Vappu Day
On May 1st, things continue with the fuksi parade, where first-year students march through the city center for the last time as fuksis. Soon after, people gather at Ratinanniemi to watch the teekkari fuksis being dipped into Tammerkoski.
Last year, my friends and I just sat on the grass nearby, had a small picnic, ate some munkki, and watched everything. Nothing too crazy, but somehow the evening felt so amazing.
Final Thoughts
Wappu is one of those things that sounds simple when you explain it, but once you experience it, it’s something completely different. It’s busy, loud, a bit chaotic at times, but also really fun and memorable.
Whether you’re the type to go to every single event or just chill with friends and enjoy the atmosphere, there’s always something for you.
And if you haven’t experienced it yet, you still have time. And if not this year, then definitely next year.
Trust me, it’s something you don’t want to miss!
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