Join the May Day celebrations in Otaniemi!

The Aalto University Student Union (AYY) is organising several free events this spring, open to all Espoo residents who want to experience the unique May Day atmosphere. Otaniemi’s May Day lasts almost two weeks and includes cheerful and fun student traditions. Some of the events are open to all. Bring your good mood and come celebrate in Otaniemi!

The May Day season kicks off with the spectacular outdoor event Aalto Open Air, held on Saturday 18 April at Alvarinaukio square. Over the years, this free festival has grown into one of the most anticipated spring events in Otaniemi.

The event combines live music, relaxed socialising and a variety of activities. The area will also feature themed experiences that create a unique atmosphere. Finnish artists and bands, including Good Boys and Paha Vaanii, will take the stage to get the audience in the May Day mood.

One of the most anticipated moments of May Day takes place on 30 April. The traditional Wappu Declaration will be held from 12:00 to 14:00 in the yard of Servin mökki, known as Smökki (Jämeräntaival 4). The event brings together students, alumni and city residents to enjoy speeches, music and a ceremony culminating in the official Wappu Declaration. The City of Espoo will be represented by Saara Hyrkkö, Chair of the City Council, who will give a speech.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming – you can join in on your own, with friends or with your entire family.

You can start getting into the May Day spirit in advance by listening to Aalto students’ own radio station, Radiodiodi, which begins broadcasting on 18 April at 12:00. This student-run radio station, based in Otaniemi, has been operating for over a decade and broadcasts for two weeks leading up to May Day. A broadcast studio built inside a shipping container will be set up in the middle of Alvarinaukio.

Radiodiodi is powered by a large group of volunteers – each year, more than a thousand programme creators take part. Its diverse programming is available both online at www.radiodiodi.fi(external link, opens in a new window) and on the radio frequency 102.0 MHz, with content produced by both first-time and more experienced contributors.

A jäynä is a good-natured prank intended to create a shared moment of laughter – for both the prankster and the target. In Otaniemi, jäynäs are an essential part of student culture, combining creativity, ingenuity, and a playful sense of humor. The best jäynäs come from clever ideas and careful execution, but one rule always applies: they must be harmless and in good taste. Will you spot a jäynä in the city environment this spring?

An essential part of Wappu in Otaniemi is the student-made Wappu magazines, published every spring at the end of April. They are packed with witty humor, current topics, and phenomena from student culture – all with a playful twist, of course. Within the Aalto community, the magazines alternate yearly: in odd-numbered years, Äpy is published, and in even-numbered years, Julkku.

Äpy, dating back to the 1940s, is especially known for its inventiveness – each issue is a unique and surprising creation. It is much more than just a magazine: Äpy also takes the form of events, stunts, and projects that enrich the entire student community. Julkku, in turn, offers longer articles, cartoons, and sharp perspectives for lovers of intelligent humor. Creating the magazine is a year-long collaborative effort, and the proceeds go to support students. This year’s Julkku will be published on April 18, after which it will be sold by overall-clad street vendors in Otaniemi and elsewhere in Espoo.

Otaniemi’s May Day events offer Espoo residents a unique opportunity to explore student culture and experience the joy of spring together. The free events make participation easy – just show up and enjoy the atmosphere.

Check out other May Day events in the city: Cultural events in Espoo | City of Espoo