Public holidays in Åland

Public holidays, also known as red days, are Sundays and other statutory days off when residents can, for example, celebrate a religious or traditional holiday. Saturdays and the eves of public holidays can also be days off, such as Midsummer’s Eve and Christmas Eve. 

Public holidays are usually days off for employees; however, a public holiday does not prevent stores or other businesses from staying open. It may be a good idea to check your employment contract and collective agreement to see the rules on days off in your specific situation.

• 1 January: New Year's Day
• 6 January: Epiphany
• March–April: Good Friday, Easter Day and Easter Monday. Easter Day falls on 22 March at the earliest and 25 April at the latest
• April–June: Ascension Day. Falls 40 days after Easter Sunday. Always on a Thursday, no earlier than 30 April and no later than 3 June
• 1 May: May Day
• May–June: Pentecost. Pentecost falls ten days after Ascension Day, no earlier than 10 May and no later than 13 June
• June: Midsummer's Day. Midsummer is celebrated on the Saturday following 19 June
• November: All Saints' Day
• 6 December: Finnish Independence Day
• 25 December: Christmas Day
• 26 December: Boxing Day

Åland has its own flag, which is an important symbol of self-government. The Åland flag may be flown year-round to mark, for example, public and private holidays or special occasions. There are three official flag days in Åland:

• 30 March: Day commemorating the demilitarisation and neutralisation of Åland
• Last Sunday of April: Åland Flag Day
• 9 June: Åland's Autonomy Day

Read more about the origins of the Åland flag, Åland flag days and the rules for flag-flying on the Government of Åland’s webpage.

The Info Norden website contains information on public holidays in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the authorities that can answer questions.