Laskiainen 2027: Finnish Shrovetide Traditions

At a glance

In Finland, Laskiainen is celebrated just before Lent. In 2027, laskiaissunnuntai (Shrove Sunday) falls on 7 February and laskiaistiistai (Shrove Tuesday) on 9 February. Sledding, pea soup and cream-filled laskiaispulla buns are traditional. These dates do not create an additional national day off. Dates checked against the University of Helsinki Almanac, 3 November 2026.

When is Laskiainen in 2027?

The key dates are Sunday 7 February and Tuesday 9 February, followed by Ash Wednesday (tuhkakeskiviikko) on 10 February. The dates change with Easter, which falls on 28 March in 2027. The Evangelical Lutheran Church explains the church year and its relationship to Lent. For other celebrations see Finland's holiday calendar.

What does Laskiainen mean?

Historically, it marks the period before the Christian fast leading up to Easter. Today, for many Finns, the focus is on everyday winter customs rather than religious observance. Pea soup and sweet buns were traditionally among the last filling foods before the fast. To plan around regional winter weather, consult winter in Finland.

How do people celebrate?

Pulkkamäki means sledding down a snowy hill, a familiar family activity that need not be part of a public event. Local programmes differ by organiser and date. For a short outdoor trip consider Helsinki winter walking routes, which are route ideas rather than advertised Laskiainen events.

What do people eat for Laskiainen?

Traditional foods include hernekeitto (pea soup) and laskiaispulla, a soft bun split in half and filled with whipped cream and jam or almond paste. Shops and home cooks use different recipes. People with allergies should check wheat, dairy products and nuts. Martat publishes a full recipe that can be followed at home.

Jam or almond paste in laskiaispulla?

Both are found in Finnish recipes. Martat includes jam with whipped cream and almond paste with cream. There is no single filling that everyone must choose. The recipe's quantities, oven temperature and timing apply to that recipe alone.

How can you go sledding safely?

Choose a permitted hill that does not lead into traffic, water, ski trails, trees or buildings. Check the snow and surface conditions, follow any local rules and supervise children. Suomen Latu's sledding-hill guidance recommends separating areas for children of different ages and reducing obstacles. Do not choose a hill that ends on a frozen lake or river. Ordinary ski slopes should not be assumed suitable for sledding; see Lapland ski resorts for a different kind of winter activity.

Is Laskiainen a public holiday?

No additional nationwide holiday is created. In 2027, Shrove Sunday falls on an ordinary Sunday. The University of Helsinki Almanac lists the two dates as observances, not nationwide non-working days. Check individual shops, museums, cafés and transport operators for the date you plan to visit.

How should you plan a family outing?

Check the forecast, find a permitted local sledding hill and plan warm clothing, access, return travel and an alternative if the snow is unsuitable. Enjoy a bun or pea soup if you wish. A winter day in Rovaniemi offers ideas for a separate trip, not a verified Laskiainen event. For public celebrations, look for a dated announcement from the organiser. For planning a winter day, browse cafes in Helsinki, restaurants in Helsinki and saunas and bathhouses in Helsinki in the SuomiGuide directory.

Sources

• University of Helsinki Almanac, checked 3 November 2026.
• Evankelis-luterilainen kirkko: Kirkkovuosi, checked 3 November 2026.
• Evl.fi: Paastokalenteri, checked 3 November 2026.
• Martat: Laskiaispulla, checked 3 November 2026.
• Martat: Laskiaisen leivonta, checked 3 November 2026.
• Suomen Latu: Mäenlaskupaikkahanke, checked 3 November 2026.
• Suomen Latu: pulkkamäki-ohje, checked 3 November 2026.