Police will have a visible presence to secure May Day celebrations

The police will have a visible presence to secure May Day celebrations in the capital from 30 April to 1 May 2025. Some streets around the Esplanade Park and Kaivopuisto will be closed.

Several traditional events and demonstrations will be held on May Day Eve and May Day. The police will secure the demonstrations and direct traffic.

The traditional placing of a student cap on Havis Amanda’s head will take place at at 18.00 on 30 April near the Market Square. The Esplanade Park and side streets will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 14.00 to 20.00.

On May Day Eve and May Day, it is not recommended to travel by car in central Helsinki.

"The city centre is expected to fill up with people starting from the Manta statue cap ritual. The police will direct pedestrians arriving to the area via the esplanades. In addition to the events, the police will monitor the safety of public places and prevent any disturbances or crimes, says Chief Superintendent Jarmo Heinonen of the Helsinki Police Department.

May Day parades will affect traffic

• The SAK May Day parade will affect traffic on May 1 from approximately 11.30 to 13.00. The parade route is Siltasaarenkatu – Unioninkatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Mannerheimintie – Kansalaistori.
• The Jesus March will start on May 1 at Salomonkatu at 13.00. The procession will follow the route Salomonkatu – Mannerheimintie – Eteläesplanadi – Fabianinkatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Mannerheimintie – Salomonkatu.

Helsingin Youth assistance operation to meet young people in central Helsinki

The police, emergency services, youth services and other partners will be at places popular with young people, such as Kaivopuisto, schoolyards and beaches.

The City of Helsinki Youth Services organises the operation. Partners include the Helsinki Police Department, emergency services, the Helsinki and Uusimaa Red Cross, the Saapas youth work program of the Church of Finland, and Children of the Station.

"We hope that guardians of minors will keep track of their children's movements and talk to them. We ask that guardians answer calls from unknown numbers, as the caller may be the police," Heinonen reminds us.

The police remind young people to look out for their friends and guardians to discuss their plans for May Day with their children.