March 8

International Women’s Day – March 8:
History, Traditions in Finland and
the Song “Kokonainen nainen”

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day dedicated to women’s rights, gender equality, and recognition of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Celebrated worldwide, this date has deep historical roots in the labor movement and the struggle for women’s suffrage. Read more...

February 28

Kalevala Day — A Celebration of Finnish Culture and National Identity

Every year on February 28, national flags are raised across Finland in honor of Kalevala Day, an official flag day dedicated to Finnish culture, language, and heritage. The Kalevala is a poetic epic based on ancient oral folklore of the Finns and Karelians. It consists of runes—traditional metric songs—that were transmitted orally for centuries and contain myths, magical incantations, heroic legends, and cosmological narratives. Read more...

February 14

Valentine’s Day and Friend’s Day in Finland:
History, Traditions, and Interesting Facts

February 14 is widely known around the world as Valentine’s Day — a celebration of love, romance, and heartfelt emotions. However, in Finland this date has a special meaning. Here it is celebrated primarily as Friend’s Day — Ystävänpäivä, a holiday dedicated not only to romantic partners, but also to friendship, care, and human connection.Read more...

February 6

Sámi National Day – Official Flag Flying Day in Finland

Sámi National Day is observed annually in Finland on February 6. The date is included in the national calendar as an official flag flying day, and public authorities recommend flying both the Sámi flag and the Finnish flag.

The Sámi are Finland’s only officially recognized Indigenous people, with approximately 4,000 Sámi living in the country, mainly in Lapland. Read more...