Celebrations have followed a familiar script, according to the police.
May Day is being celebrated in bright, sunny weather.
In the capital, the holiday began with the traditional concert in Kaivopuisto, a long-standing fixture of the festivities.
Celebrations have followed a familiar script, according to the police.
In the southwest, officers were kept busy by intoxicated revellers, traffic-related duties, public disturbances and occasional violence, both in public spaces and in private homes. The regional police recorded 294 call-outs, roughly in line with last year’s figure.
Further north, in North Ostrobothnia, Thursday night was described by Oulu police as largely peaceful, despite sizeable crowds. Students in particular drew praise for their sensible conduct.
Even so, festivities across the country were not without incident. Cases of disorderly behaviour and excessive drinking were reported, alongside assaults, domestic disturbances and traffic-related offences, most notably suspected drunk driving.
