Celebration

01 January 2022, Spain, Seville: People gather in front of the largest LED tree lights in the Plaza de San Francisco during the the New Year's Eve celebrations. Photo: Eduardo Briones/EUROPA PRESS/dpa.

Lifestyle

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Nations ring in 2022 with muted celebrations due to the pandemic

The Nomad Today/dpa 1/1/22

Many parties and fireworks displays were cancelled, for example in London and Paris, or scaled down, like in Madrid

Traditional white grapes like those that Spaniards massively eat on New Year's Eve. Photo: Pixabay.

Lifestyle

TRADITIONS

The twelve grapes of luck, the great Spanish New Year's Eve tradition

The Nomad Today 12/30/21

Every New Year's Eve millions of Spaniards eat twelve grapes to attract fortune and prosperity

Police-control-alcohol-Helsinki-by-Helsingin-Poliisi

Finland

SECURITY

Police to monitor intoxicant use at end of school celebrations

The Nomad Today 6/4/21

The police have detected in Espoo the use of an unknown chemical which causes aggressive and unpredictable behavior.

Coronavirus

CORONAVIRUS

Covid-19 infections in Finland increased due to Vappu gatherings

The Nomad Today 5/14/21

The government warns that there is "a real risk" of a resurgence of the epidemic.

Young students celebrating Vappu before the pandemic, in Tampere in 2017. Photo: Laura-Vanzo.

Finland

MAY DAY

Police warn that no large gatherings are allowed to celebrate Vappu

The Nomad Today 4/29/21

Authorities also asked parents to remind their children not to gather in large groups in public places.

03 January 2021, Norway, Gjerdrum: King of Norway Harald V (R) lights candles in the church of Gjerdrum to remember the victims of the landslide in Ask. The death count from a landslide rose to five on Sunday, reported Norwegian rescue crews. Photo: Lise Aaserud/NTB/POOL/dpa

World

ON SICK LEAVE

Private celebration for King Harald of Norway on 84th birthday

The Nomad Today/dpa 2/21/21

Most public events in Norway have been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Finland

Police guidelines for legal and safe use of fireworks in New Year

The Nomad Today 12/30/19

Fireworks can be legally used only from 18:00 to 2:00. Fireworks should never be handled by drunk people and safety glasses are mandatory. The police will confiscate any fireworks held by minors.

Finland

Midsummer without bonfires

The Nomad Today 6/21/19

Half of the country is on alert for the risk of forest fires. For this reason, open fires are prohibited.

Finland

TRADITIONS

Lemmenjuhla, celebration of the nightless night... with sex

The Nomad Today 6/16/19

Finnish Midsummer often includes nature, sauna and a bonfire. It is also referred to as a lemmenjuhla , which means celebration of love, passion and sex