The ambassador of the Finland Embassy, Saija Nurminen, hosted a special celebration for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the Philippines with a jazz concert held at the Society Lounge in Makati City on April 30, which is also International Jazz Day.
Manila Bulletin
Embassies at Work
Finland celebrated May Day and the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines
Embassies at Work
Finland celebrated May Day and the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines
Finland celebrated May Day and the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines
Published May 19, 2025 07:51 am
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Updated May 19, 2025 06:31 pm
Finnish saxophonist and composer Pekka Pylkkänen with Yong Aquino on piano, Dave Harder on bass, and Rey Vinoya on drums
The Ambassador of the Finland Embassy Saija Nurminen
Ambassador Emma Hickey of the Embassy of Ireland with Ambassador Saija Nurminen, Mme. Cathrine Lykke Riseng Lyster, and Ambassador Mary Kay Loss Carlson of the US Embassy
Ambassador Nurminen quoted the father of International Jazz Day, jazz pianist and UNESCO goodwill ambassador Herbie Hancock, saying, “Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope.”
Performers for the night were multi-awarded and highly acclaimed Finnish saxophonist and composer Pekka Pylkkänen, joining artistic forces with Yong Aquino on piano, Dave Harder on bass, and Rey Vinoya on drums.
She likewise shared the big Finnish event, May Day. “To be honest, nowadays just about everyone joins the action – which means that May Day, or Vappu as we call it in Finnish, and the evening before have become the biggest party of the year. The Finns are really happy tonight and tomorrow,” she said.
In Finland, May Day, known as "Vappu," is a major celebration every year on April 30 and May 1, marking the arrival of spring and a time for joyful festivities. It's also Labour Day, a public holiday and a time for families, friends, and students to gather, enjoy traditional food and drinks, and celebrate. May Day and the preceding evening represent the biggest party of the year.
A carnival-like atmosphere with whimsical costumes, music, and dancing, it's a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in Finnish culture. The main event on the evening of April 30 is a traditional ceremony of washing the statue of Havis Amanda, or Manta—the fountain mermaid sculpture of Helsinki—by the Market Square. And when this is done and the people around the fountain are properly drenched, the most important part of the ceremony starts. The representatives of the Students’ Committee use a crane to put a student graduation white cap on the mermaid’s head while the crowds of onlookers cheer them on and wave their own white student caps.