St. Urho’s Day

Next celebratedTuesday, March 16, 2027

A fun observance on March 16 celebrating the fictional patron saint of Finnish vineyard workers who drove grasshoppers from Finland, saving the grape crop for wine.

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMarch 16

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

ORIGIN

Individual Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Richard Mattson

FIRST OBSERVED

1953

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Richard Mattson, a Finnish-American in Virginia, Minnesota, invented the legend of St. Urho in 1953 after being teased about Finns lacking a patron saint, fabricating a story of St. Urho driving frogs from Finland to save the grape crop. The first parties were held that year and were publicly mentioned in the Mesabi Daily News in 1956.

Institutional Recordvia sainturho.com

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate St. Urho's Day on March 16, a holiday that combines Finnish and Irish traditions for a fun and unique celebration! According to legend, St. Urho was a brave hero who drove away grasshoppers from Finland's grape crops and saved them from starvation. This day is now celebrated with parades, feasting, and wearing the colors of purple and green – representing the grapes and grasshoppers respectively. So put on your best purple and green outfit and join in on the festivities!

TIMELINE

St. Urho’s Day Timeline

Origin of The Legend

During the 1950s, Richard Mattson, a Minnesotan, creates the character of St. Urho, who is said to have chased the grasshoppers out of ancient Finland, saving the grape crops.

First Mention in Newspaper

St. Urho was first referenced in print by Sulo Havumäki in 1956, another Minnesotan, who published an "Ode to St. Urho" in the Mesabi Daily News.

First Official Celebration

The first official celebration of St. Urho's Day took place in Minnesota during the 1970s, marked by festivities that included wearing the colors royal purple and nile green.

Statue to St. Urho

Menahga, Minnesota erects a statue honoring St. Urho in 1975.

Spreading to Canada

By the 1980s, St. Urho's Day celebrations had spread to parts of Canada, particularly amongst Finnish communities.

Continued Celebrations

Today, St. Urho's Day is celebrated widely across the United States, particularly in communities with Finnish heritage.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate St. Urho’s Day

Attend a parade

Many cities and towns hold parades to celebrate St. Urho's Day. Find one near you and enjoy the colorful floats, music, and marching bands.

WEAR

Wear purple and green

Purple and green are the traditional colors of St. Urho's Day. Show your spirit by dressing in these colors from head to toe.

COOK

Cook a Finnish meal

St. Urho is a legendary Finnish saint, so why not honor him by cooking a traditional Finnish meal? Look up some recipes online and try your hand at making dishes like kalakukko or karjalanpiirakka.

LEARN

Learn about Finnish culture

Take some time to learn about Finnish customs, traditions, and history. You can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge at the St. Urho's Day celebration.

CREATE

Create a vineyard

One of the most famous legends surrounding St. Urho is that he saved the grapes in Finland by driving away a plague of grasshoppers. Plant your own mini vineyard in honor of this heroic feat and enjoy some delicious wine on St. Urho's Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love St. Urho’s Day

There are fun traditions and activities

On St. Urho's Day, people often wear purple and green, the colors associated with the holiday, and participate in parades and other festivities. Some towns even hold grape stomping competitions! It's a day full of laughter and good times with friends and family.

It's a unique and quirky holiday

St. Urho's Day is a holiday that celebrates the Finnish legend of St. Urho, a man who supposedly chased away a plague of grasshoppers and saved the grape harvest. It's a fun and offbeat holiday that allows people to embrace their Finnish heritage or just join in on the festivities!

It's a celebration of spring

St. Urho's Day is traditionally celebrated on March 16th, which is right around the start of spring. It's a great way to kick off the season and say goodbye to winter. Plus, it's a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather!

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