Police to ensure safe May Day celebrations in Helsinki

The police will have a visible presence in the capital on 30 April – 1 May 2024 to ensure safe May Day celebrations.

Several traditional events and demonstrations take place on May Day Eve and May Day. The police will ensure safety at demonstrations and direct traffic.

”We’re expecting there to be plenty of people out and about in the city. Besides events, the police will supervise the safety of public places and prevent potential disruptions,” says Superintendent Simo Kauppinen from Helsinki Police.

Exceptional traffic arrangements in the city centre

This year, the traditional placing of a student cap on Havis Amanda’s head will take place at 6pm on 30 April in Kansalaistori square.

Traffic restrictions are planned and will be carried out together with the city’s safety experts, the police and rescue services.

• Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi will be transformed into courtyard streets between Mannerheimintie and Unionkatu from 3pm on 30 April to 8pm on 1 May.

• Parking will be banned in Tehtaankatu on 30 April to 1 May to allow unhindered tram traffic. The ban applies to the whole of Tehtaankatu and individuals who have parked there are asked to move their vehicles.

• Mannerheimintie between Arkadiankatu and Runeberginkatu will be closed to motor vehicles from 4pm to 8pm on 30 April because of placing the student cap on Havis Amanda’s head in Kansalaistori square.

• Motor vehicles will be diverted via Runeberginkatu while the stretch of Mannerheimintie is closed.

• The May Day parade of the Aalto-university School of Business students affects traffic from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. The route goes through Senaatintori – Unioninkatu – Eteläesplanadi – Mannerheimintie – Töölönlahdenkatu – Kansalaistori.

May Day is also a popular celebration for young people

The police, first aid, youth services and other partners will be present in places popular with young people. The police remind young people to take good care of friends and encourage guardians to talk about May Day plans with their children.

“We hope that guardians will keep tabs on their children’s movements and discuss them with them. We ask guardians to answer calls from unknown numbers since the caller might be a police officer,” Kauppinen points out.

Helsinki Police will update the latest information about May Day events on the police website poliisi.fi. and X account @HelsinkiPoliisi.