Havis Amanda's crowning event is around the corner, are you ready?

By EsterTaiYo

Havis Amanda Crowning 2024 - what to expect?

Vappu Eve 30.4.2024 is right around the corner! Havis Amanda is on vacation for the first time in her 115-year existence, and will return in August restored to her original location.   

Tradition is a key part of Vappu, and the student community has the strength to carry traditions through the exceptional years. Let's work together to make this years crowning of Havis Amanda a joyful and uniquely memorable Vappu experience for every student. The next time Havis Amanda will be on holiday is probably more than a hundred years from now.   

So, what happens and where on Vappu Eve? 

  • See you at Kansalaistori! Havis Amanda, Helsinki's own mermaid, has promised us to visit the event from her holiday. 
  • We will organize a traditional crowning event where we will crown art students' artwork and interpretation of Manta with a crane.  
  • The festival stage will also feature a unique music show. The performances start at 16:30 and the headliner takes the stage at 18:00 after the crowning has happened.  

How to get there? Tips for student organizations! 

  • We encourage organisations to think well in advance about how to ensure that their students are aware of the location of this year's event. This makes it easier for everyone to plan their May Day Eve activities in advance.  
  • Even if your association has not previously organised a procession or other joint departure for the Havis Amanda crowning event, think about organising one this year!  
  • If your association is traditionally gathering near the Esplanade Park, it can be arranged directly to Makasiinipuisto this year and the meeting place can be marked with the organisation's flag or other sign. 
  • It is advisable to arrive at Kansalaistori Square well in advance, so that you are most likely to find good place to watch the crowning show. You can reach Kansalaistori Square on foot from Mannerheimintie, from behind Oodi, or from Töölönlahti. 
  • Communication; Before May Day, we will share all the vibes of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Student May Day on the @mantanlakitus Instagram account. If you want to be part of Vappu Week, you can tag us! 

One final note on safety:
May Day Eve is one of the largest urban celebrations in the Helsinki metropolitan area. For safety reasons, people from the Esplanade Park are instructed to Kansalaistori Square to celebrate. Also e.g. sanitary facilities, cleaning arrangements, first aid points, etc. can be found this year at Kansalaistori Square. The city has directed the event to Kansalaistori Square, as it is not possible to organise an event of this magnitude in the Esplanade Park due to the restoration of the Havis Amanda fountain. 

If you have any practical questions or wish for more information about the Manta Crowning Event 2024, you can contact the Student Union of Uniarts Helsinki, which organises the event. Joyful wait for Vappu!
 

Suvi Vendelin
Executive producer of Manta Crowning Event 2024
University of the Arts Student Union art- and culture policy specialist 

Ester Sundström
Communication specialist of Manta Crowning Event 2024
University of the Arts Student Union secretary of membership services and communications