ISYY's May Day Celebrations in Kuopio 2026

30.04.2026 - 30.04.2026 |Kuopio

Vappu Eve Traditions organized by ISYY include the Rite of the Scholastic Passage that will be performed on campus and the Pool Event at the Kuopio Market Square, where we will hear speeches of the Student Union and Student Associations, we’ll nominate the ‘Kunniankantajat’ of the year, we’ll wash and cap the Velj’mies statue and immerse the Professor.

The Rite of the Scholastic Passage is counted among the most long-standing traditions in the academic history of Kuopio as well as among the most unique May Day celebrations in the entire nation. Afterwards, the initiated are granted an authentic KYY ribbon for their graduation caps as recognition of their achievement in pursuing higher knowledge. 

Registration form for the Rite of the Scholastic Passage is open until 26 April. 

Schedule of the Vappu Eve 30th April

Events at the Campus

• at 1 pm Cleaning of the Tooth at Studentia (organised by Dentina ry)
• at 2 pm Rite of the Scholastic Passage, SN100 (organised by ISYY’s Wihkimysylimystö)

Pool event at the Kuopio Market Square

• at 5:30 pm Student associations’ greetings
• at 5:45 Cleaning of the Velj’mies statue
• at 5:55pm Announcing two of the ‘Kunniankantaja’
• at 6:05 Capping of the Velj’mies statue
• at 6:20 Speech by Janina Gunnar, the Chair of the ISYY Representative Council
• at 6:25 Immersing of the Professor

We wish everyone a Vappu state of mind!

Read more:

Registration to the Rite of Scholastic Passage
Student Vappu in Kuopio 2026
Savo-Karjala Excursion Kuopio 2026
Student Vappu in Joensuu 2026
Savo-Karjala Excursion Joensuu 2026

Further information:

Janina Gunnar, Chair of the Representative Council, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 576 8410, epj(at)isyy.fi

Piritta Pennanen, member of the Executive Board, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, piritta.pennanen(at)isyy.fi

Eveliina Scharin, Community Coordinator, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 491 6529, yk(at)isyy.fi