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The crowning of statues with caps is an important part of student May Day traditions across Finland. In Helsinki, Havis Amanda – known as Manta – has worn her white cap for over a century. She was first crowned in 1909. The tradition has continued since at least 1921, though it only became officially permitted in 1951.

In the past, the capping took place at midnight. Today, both Manta and the crowd put on their caps at 18:00 on May Day Eve. Engineering students still follow their own tradition and wear their caps at midnight.

Times change, but the tradition remains

Each year, a different student union in the Helsinki area is responsible for the ceremony. The tradition also includes washing the statue in front of the crowd. Because the statue is fragile, people can no longer climb on it, and the washing and capping are now done using a crane.

Manta was also capped during the first pandemic spring in 2020. The ceremony took place in virtual reality, led by a performance from students of the University of the Arts Helsinki.

In recent years, there has been concern about the condition of the statue. Manta has become a central place for celebrations beyond May Day as well. How long Manta’s delicate bronze surface can withstand the crowds remains to be seen – as does how the tradition will evolve in the future.