Vappu Day observed across county amid festivity, joy

The International Workers’ Day, widely known as May Day, commemorating the 1886 uprising of Chicago workers to establish their rights was observed in the country almost peacefully, excepting some sporadic incidents.

The celebrations of May Day, locally called Vappu Day, began on Saturday evening through washing and crowning of the Havis Amanda statue in the capital, with around 80,000 people witnessing the ceremony.

But the main celebration and May Day rallies were held on Sunday all over the country.

People gathered in the parks and markets in different cities amidst a mixed weather of cloudy and sunny at different parts of the country on Sunday.

Meanwhile, police said that the celebrations were peaceful across the country excepting few incidents of drunk driving, unruliness and brawls late Saturday night and early Sunday.

Several processions and rallies were held in the capital city and other big cities.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke at a rally in Turku jointly organised by the ruling Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) and the Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) marking the International Workers' Day.

The Premier in her speech focused on the possible public-sector strike scheduled to start on May 3 saying that the collective bargaining system is in turmoil and is being directly undermined.

"It is important to ensure that those who are disadvantaged in the labour market are always properly represented and that workers' rights are respected," reported national broadcaster Yle, quoting the Prime Minister as saying.

International Workers’ Day marks the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, when the Chicago police fired on workers during a general strike for their legitimate rights including an eight-hour working day. The firing resulted in the deaths of several demonstrators and police officers.

May 1 was adopted as International Workers’ Day by socialist delegates in Paris in 1889. More than 400 delegates met in Paris on the centenary of the French revolution at the Marxist International Socialist Congress, the founding meeting of the Second International.

The 1889 resolution called for a one-time demonstration, but it became an annual event in the course of time. May Day was celebrated in Russia, Brazil and Ireland first in 1891.