Life in Finland: July

July is a very quiet, yet lively month in Finland.

July is the real beginning of the summer holidays in Finland. Younger kids and teenagers often go to school until late June or early July, which means that families begin their holidays in early July. Schools and universities also take their holidays during that time, which means that for me, as a student, it also becomes very quiet on that front! 

Because schools begin again in August, July is really the one summer holiday month for many, and that means that cities are drained, and mökki (Finnish cottages) fill up quickly. Cities then become somewhat quieter, but those who decide to stay are out a lot longer. The sun doesn't set almost at all, even in the South (as mentioned in my previous "Life in Finland" article), which means more people enjoying the outsides. Add to that the many music festivals and various outdoors events that take place during the summer, and cities keep on being quite lively! 

Do not expect quick answers to administrative tasks or questions during July! This is one of the few times of the year where Finns take their time off really seriously (another one is Christmas). If your mailbox stays desperately empty, it's time to close it for the next few weeks and prepare a picnic basket to enjoy the few rays of the sun of the year ;) 

Soon enough, normal working hours will be back, and it will be time to prepare for a new school year and the rest of the work year!

All images are from Unsplash.