University of Helsinki
Shrove Tuesday, and the big student event ‘Laskiaisrieha’ are on their way to bring feasting on pancakes, and celebrating wintertime to all students!
Shrove Tuesday, ‘laskiainen’ in Finnish, is traditionally known as the first day of lent in Western Christian churches. Lent is not observed by many people anymore, but celebrating laskiainen with traditional shrove buns and sledding is popular with many, students especially! The name of the event in Finnish actually comes from the word for sledding. And don’t worry, since it’s not a public holiday you can still take pleasure in your lectures!
Pea soup and shrove buns, ‘laskiaispulla’, as they’re called in Finnish, are the culinary hallmarks of this day. UniCafe gives you easy access to these delicacies. The buns are known for their fantastic taste, and different filling options including whipped cream, raspberry jam or almond paste. If you eat too many, you might even in these modern times find yourself fasting the next day.
One of Finlands biggest student events is the action-packed sledding festival, ‘Laskiaisrieha’, in Kaivopuisto. If you don’t have a sled to borrow, you might try if your student overalls do the job, since it is very common for students to wear them at Laskiainen. Warm clothes are obviously a good choice, even if get your hands on a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
The legendary academic sledding competition is the high point of the event! Teams race downhill at Ullanlinnanmäki in Kaivopuisto with their inventive and showy DIY sleds in hope to win the grand prize.
For more information on Laskiaisrieha and the sliding competition visit the Facebook page of the event. Many student organisations go to Kaivopuisto together as an organisation, and offer warm drinks and/or shrove buns to their members. Check whether yours is already going, or find friends to go together with!
If you are more of a night person, or otherwise can’t attend durign the day, go to the afterparty! Several are organised by different student organisations. Laskuhumala, hosted by the student organisations for social scientists, behavioural scientists, and natural scientists, starts at 9 p.m. Check the different events for tickets, and don’t miss out!
This blog post was written by Sari Kivijärvi, a second year student of sociology.