Practicalities

The celebration consists of a starter, main course, and dessert (the dinner also includes beverages), as well as speeches, songs, and performances. The evening is structured with breaks. During the dinner, there are several pauses—known as konferenssi—during which you may, for example, powder your nose or chat with guests at other tables. At other times, it is best to avoid unnecessary movement in the hall, but if needed, you may quietly leave your seat when there is no speech, song, or performance taking place, ensuring not to disturb other guests. During songs, speeches, and performances, it is polite to remain seated quietly and to pause eating and drinking.

The cold starter should only be enjoyed once it has been served to the entire table group. The warm course can be started when the nearest table companions have received their meals. It is not considered polite to leave the table before the main course has been cleared away. Dessert should again be started simultaneously. Wine is served with the meal. Please note that the number of pours is limited—usually one or two.

With coffee, more experienced annual celebration guests may fold so-called cognac ears to decorate their heads. If you wish, you can do a little detective work in advance or ask the seasoned guests for guidance when the time comes.

After songs, a toast is made. When toasting, it is essential to make eye contact. The round begins with the person sitting diagonally to your left, then with the person diagonally to your right, and finally with the person sitting directly opposite you. The glass is raised to about shoulder height. Glasses are not clinked together, nor are empty glasses raised.

Afterparty
The afterparty is naturally a more relaxed event than the dinner, and there is no formal etiquette. While you may tuck your tie into your pocket or kick off your heels, it is still important to maintain polite and respectful behavior, take care of the comfort of your fellow guests—especially your companion—and enjoy the celebration together.