Boxing Day in Finland
In Finland, Boxing Day is called Tapaninpäivä and is also known as the second day of Christmas. The Finnish calendar classifies it as a church holiday and a paid public holiday; its Christian meaning and horse riding custom give it a distinct local character.[1][2]
A Finnish name and a Christian feast
Tapaninpäivä takes its name from Tapani, the Finnish form of Stephen. In the Christian calendar, the day commemorates Saint Stephen, regarded as Christianity’s first martyr, and remembers martyrs more broadly. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland describes it as the second day of Christmas, with a theme centered on witnesses to Christ.[2]
In Finland’s calendar, 26 December is listed as Boxing Day and as a paid public holiday. It is one of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s church holidays.[1]
The Tapaninajelu tradition
A distinctive custom associated with Tapaninpäivä is tapaninajelu, a ride traditionally made on horseback. The Finnish church’s account connects the custom with Saint Stephen’s medieval reputation as a protector of horses and with an older Finnish practice of riding home from church in a race on the day.[2]
The name Boxing Day is used in the Finnish calendar, but the local name and its religious association point to the Finnish observance’s meaning: the feast of Saint Stephen and the second day of Christmas. Check locally for details of the horse riding custom.[1][2]
Planning around the holiday
The Bank of Finland lists Boxing Day among the national holidays when banks are closed. That gives travelers a firm practical point for planning banking. Check opening hours with shops, public offices and local transport operators.[3]
Boxing Day in Finland: FAQs
When is Boxing Day in Finland?
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Finland?
Yes. Finland’s University Almanac Office classifies it as a church holiday and a paid public holiday.[1]
Are banks open on Boxing Day?
No. The Bank of Finland lists Boxing Day among national holidays when banks are closed.[3]
What is tapaninajelu?
It is a traditional horseback ride associated with Tapaninpäivä. The Finnish church connects the custom with Saint Stephen’s traditional role as a protector of horses.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Finland:
- Flagging And Public Holidays Overview | Finnish Church Holidays- University Almanac Office, University of Helsinki
- Tapaninpäivä- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
- Bank holidays- Bank of Finland