Epiphany, January 6, is a public holiday, a day off for many. In Finnish the day is called loppiainen. Read more to learn about the origin of the day and how it affects services.
NOT MUCH has changed since 2018, when this article was originally published, except that then and now presidential candidate, MP Pekka Haavisto (Greens), doesn’t play rock ‘n’ roll and evergreens at a fundraiser for his campaign with an admission fee of 200 euros.
While Epiphany offers a paid holiday for many nine-to-fivers, it also closes Alkos and the post offices. Trams, buses and metro are running on Sunday schedule. Many stores, though, are open.
In Finland, Epiphany is known as the celebration of the three wise men, the Magi from the East who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
More commonly, however, most celebrate Epiphany as the end of Christmas time.
If the Christmas tree is still occupying the living room, Saturday is the time to get rid of it.
How this is done differs from neighboring countries, such as Estonia.
While there the ornamental evergreens are thrown in large bonfires in a medieval manner, in Finland the naked fir is a common sight in the garbage collection of apartment buildings.
Some even throw it out straight from the balcony.
