Highlights from Finland’s story
Finnish society is constructed to allow happiness to thrive. People in Finland have the personal freedom to make decisions, to learn and grow, in surroundings that are safe and secure. Equality and trust are the keys to a well-functioning society, where people work together to achieve common goals. Social innovations, such as free school meals, build equality.
People in Finland feel a strong connection to nature, and nature has always formed the basis of the Finnish way of life – environmental education starts in daycare. Spending time outdoors, in all seasons, is vital for recharging your batteries. Finland’s rise to prosperity has been based on expertise in the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. Finland offers solutions for a sustainable society.
The education system in Finland prepares students by providing them with future skills. Teaching media literacy, for example, helps people make informed decisions and take an active role in society. Quality education also fosters innovation. Finland is the most digitalised country in Europe, and digital innovation makes everyday life smoother for Finnish people.
Finland is home to the happiest people in the world – and to more than three million saunas, as well as globally renowned orchestra conductors; sumptuous cuisine made with local ingredients; a fantastic variety of music festivals; trailblazing startup companies; record-breaking sportspeople and much more!
EVENT CALENDAR 2025
JANUARY●
INTERNATIONAL
20.-24.1. World Economic Forum
(WEF)
24.1. International Day of Education
FINLAND
TBA Lux Helsinki
17.-19.1. Nordic Travel Fair
25.1. Educa Fair of Teaching and Education
Moomins 80 years
Main themes 2025
▲Nature and Sustainable Development
■ Functionality and Wellbeing
● Education and Know-how
FEBRUARY▲
INTERNATIONAL
6.2. Sámi National Day
11.2. International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11.2. European 112 Day
21.2. International Mother Language Day
FINLAND
3.2. Alvar and Aino Aalto day, Day of Finnish Architecture and Design
4.–9.2. Helsinki Documentary Film Festival (DocPoint)
5.2. Runeberg Day
14.2. Ystävänpäivä – Finnish Valentine’s Day
28. Kalevala Day, Finnish Culture Day
MARCH■
INTERNATIONAL
3.3. World Wildlife Day
8.3. International Women ́s Day
20.3. International Day of Happiness
21.3. International Day of Forests
22.3. World Water Day
23.3. Nordic Day/Nordens Dag
FINLAND
5.-9.3. Tampere Film Festival
11.-23.3. Oulu Music Festival
19. Minna Canth’s Day, Day of Equality
APRIL●
INTERNATIONAL
7.4. World Health Day
15.4. World Art Day
18.4. World Heritage Day/International Day for Monuments and Sites
22.4. Earth Day
28.4. World Day for Safety and Health at Work
FINLAND
9.4. Mikael Agricola Day, Finnish Language Day
MAY■
INTERNATIONAL
9.5. Europe Day
TBA Eurovision Song Contest, Switzerland
13.–14.5. The World Circular Economy Forum
15.5. International Day of Families
17.5. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
30.5. International Day of Potato
FINLAND
1.5. Vappu, the Day of Finnish Labour
9–11.5. Comic Con Finland – “Nordics’ largest event for popculture”
11.5. Mothers Day in Finland
24.–25.5. World Village Festival, Helsinki
JUNE▲
INTERNATIONAL
1.6. Global Day of Parents
8.6. World Oceans Day
18.6. Sustainable Gastronomy Day
20.6. World Refugee Day
21.6. International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
FINLAND
4.-5.6. Arctic15 startup event
6.–14.6. Kuopio Dance Festival
11.-15.6. Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä
22.6. Midsummer Day, Day of the Finnish Flag
TBA SuomiAreena
Public Debate Forum, Pori
TBA Helsinki Pride Helsinki Biennal
JULY■
INTERNATIONAL
15.7. World Youth Skills
17.7. World Emoji Day
30.7. International Day of Friendship
FINLAND
TBA Pori Jazz Festival
7.-12.7. Helsinki Cup Football Tournament
7.–12.7. World Orienteering Championship (WOC), Kuopio
TBA Maritime Festival, Kotka
TBA Bättre Folk Festival, Hailuoto
TBA World Sauna Forum, Jyväskylä
AUGUST▲
INTERNATIONAL
9.8. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
12.8. International Youth Day
19.8. World Humanitarian Day
FINLAND
TBA Tampere Theatre Festival
8.–10.8. World Dog Show, Helsinki
9.8. Tove Jansson and Finnish Art Day
TBA Flow Festival
TBA Finland-Sweden Athletics
International
30.8. Finnish Nature Day
TBA Night of the Arts, Helsinki
TBA Helsinki Festival
TBA Air Guitar World Champion- ships, Oulu
SEPTEMBER■
INTERNATIONAL
8.9. International Literacy Day
9.-23.9. UN General Assembly, New York
15.9. International Day of Democracy
21.9. International Day of Peace
23.9. International Day of Sign
Language
26.9. European Day of Languages
FINLAND
4.9. National Finnish Food Day
27.8.–3.9. FIBA EuroBasket
TBA Helsinki Design Week (20th anniversary)
TBA Helsinki International Film Festival, Love & Anarchy
TBA Nordic Business Forum, Helsinki
OCTOBER■
INTERNATIONAL
5.10. World Teacher’s Day
11.10. International Day of the Girl Child
16.10. World Food Day
24.10. United Nations Day
FINLAND
TBA Helsinki Horse show
TBA Sibelius Festival, Lahti
TBA VocalEspoo International Festival of Vocal Music
TBA Helsinki Book Fair and Wine and Food Fair, Helsinki
NOVEMBER●
INTERNATIONAL
16.11. International Day for Tolerance
20.11. Children’s Day
FINLAND
6.11. Finnish Swedish Heritage Day
TBA Helsinki Education Week
TBA Slush startup event, Helsinki
DECEMBER▲
INTERNATIONAL
3.12. International Day of Persons with Disabilities
5.12. International Volunteer Day
9.12. International Anti-Corruption Day
10.12. Human Rights Day
FINLAND
6.12. Independence Day of Finland
8.12. Jean Sibelius Day, Day of Finnish Music
23.12. Santa Claus embarks on his annual journey from his home in Finnish Lapland
