Mantan Lakitus

Today Vappu starts with Mantan Lakitus when the Hagis Amanda statue at Kauppatori gets her vappu cap. At 18:00 a group of students will lower the white cap onto the statue as the opening of the Vappu celebration.

You should definitely come there and see this spectacle that gathers a huge audience every year. Who ever has one brings their own white cap to the celebration to put it on and wave it at the time when Hagis Amanda gets hers. 

Remember to be there early (at least 30 min) if you want to get a good spot. And maybe bring an umbrella with you. The weather might not be as good as last week.

Hauskaa vappua!

Relax in front of Stockmann

The Stockmann terrace has been built up and will open during the next days. Here you can buy small snacks and drinks and sit outside right in front of Finland's biggest department store.

Enjoy!

Seurasaarenselkä in April

The sun has been shining almost every day during April so far. The weather is beautiful and some days have been almost summer like with temperatures near 20 degrees.

To see how the view from Seurasaarenselkä changed during one year you can see the pictures of the previous months here.

Microsoft moved in

The characteristic Nokia building at Keilaranta has changed its tenant and is now Microsoft's new home in Finland. Yesterday the new signs were put up. Starting from tomorrow the smart and mobile phone department at Keilaranta will start operating as part of Microsoft. 

Nokia now focuses on their remaining three businesses which are network infrastructure (NSN), location-based services (HERE) and Advanced Technologies. Nokia's Head Office is now based in Karakallio, Espoo.

Welcome back to Linnanmäki!

Today at 13.00 Linnanmäki opens its gates again after the long winter break. As every year there is a new attraction in the park awaiting the guest. The new freefall tower Kingi measures a high of 75 m and drops at a top speed of 23 meters per second. From up there you also have a great view over the city.

The opening of course doesn't go without a big party at 18.00 with live music by JVG. During Mai there will be live program every Friday. And as always the entrance to the park and the shows is for free.

Have fun!

Jazz in Espoo

On the weekend the April Jazz Festival in Espoo reaches its climax. The festival that started already on Tuesday will go into full gear for the last three days.

In five locations in and around Tapiola you can listen to exquisite jazz from around the world. Even Grammy Award winners like Angelique Kidjo who will play on Sunday come to Espoo.

Tickets for the gigs are sold separately and can be bough online or from one of the outlets.

Have a jazzy weekend!

Bonjour à Chofé

There is a new beautiful small café in town. Just a few weeks ago the French art café Chofé has opened its doors in Lönnrotinkatu just around the corner from Vanha Kirkkopuisto.

Chofé is a great place for a coffee break on your way through the city. Choose from their wide coffee selection. Maybe instead of the usual cappuccino try one Cafe Miel (with cinnamon and honey) or a Cafe Bonbon (with sweetened condensed milk) for a change.

And don't miss our on their amazing French pastry as well as the sweet Tunisian delights (hence to the owner's origin). Then sit down in one of the comfy armchairs and enjoy the French tunes from the loudspeaker.

Chofé also has live music though. To find our when check out their Facebook page.

It wouldn't be an art café though without its changing art exhibitions from local artist. You can just take a look or also buy pieces. As well as Finnish design that is on display in the back part of the café.

Check it out and have a great time there!

Herrings at the bridge

The herrings are back at the coast of Helsinki. They come here to mate each year around this time. And this is also the perfect opportunity to catch some of those small delicious fish yourself.

And it's fairly easy. Just get a fishing rod or even just some fishing line, attach a few hooks and throw them into the water. Yes, you don't even need any bait. If you move the rod a little bit you will have your first catch in no time.

One of the best places to go in Helsinki is the bridge between Lauttasaari and Salmisaari. For fishing here in the open sea you don't need a license.

Good luck!

Happy in Helsinki

Happy by Pharrell Williams has inspired people from around the world to make their own video about that song. Stephen Penny is working on a Helsinki version. But he needs your support:

Are you happy? Do you live in or around Helsinki? Do you want to be in a music video? 

If so, we'd like to hear from you! We're creating a #HappyInHelsinki community project and would like both locals and expats to be a part of this project. We'd especially like to hear from you if you have a special talent or skill which you could perform, such as being able to dance. 

Individual participants or groups will need to be able to perform during a continuous 4 minute moving shot. Please see www.24hoursofhappy.com for ideas of what we're after and what you could do. 

If this sounds like you and you'd like to be involved, please contact Steve - stephenrpenny@gmail.com

- UPDATE: The video is ready. You can find it here. -

Ice cream time

The ice cream parlors around Helsinki are back and open again. And the weather is perfect for a cold sweet treat in the sun.

Have a nice Easter Monday!