Events

February 2019 marks the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. There are several organizations in Estonia who on daily basis act on behalf of a stronger state by raising noble citizens. Some of these organizations with a long history come together to introduce their activities and give visitors knowledge of how to cope in emergency situations. The culmination of the event is a historical re-enactment.

On Shrove Tuesday, also known as ‘sledging day’, we will be saying good-bye to the winter and having a blast at the winter celebration which marks the beginning of the Lenten period. This means enjoying hearty and fatty food, taking part in winter amusements, making a bone spinner and partying! Do join us and have a good long slide down the slope to make sure that the new year brings health and luck!

A fun party in Kolu Inn will be the conclusion of Shrove Tuesday celebrations.

Maslenitsa marks a holiday celebrated during the last week before the Lent. It is accompanied by dancing and merrymaking, hearty meals and having fun in the snow.

Children’s morning party at Kolu Inn with a short concert and the menu fit for little ones. There will be handicraft workshops and quiz games on farms and an opportunity to write postcards with a quill and ink in Kuie School.

Children’s morning party at Kolu Inn with a short concert and the menu fit for little ones. There will be handicraft workshops and quiz games on farms and an opportunity to write postcards with a quill and ink in Kuie School.

We introduce the different roles of women and men and the way these roles have changed over time. What was forbidden for women in the 19th century and which tasks were unfit for men in the beginning of the 20th century? What about nowadays? Do men have to do the laundry and women brew beer at home?

The Lent that had lasted since Shrove Tuesday would end at Easter, which in Estonian has several other names that stand for “Egg Holiday”, “Resurrection Day”, “Swing Holiday” or “Spring Holiday”. This is when the folk could enjoy food again and rejoice over the awakening of the nature and the Resurrection of Jesus.

The spring fair at the Estonian Open Air Museum introduces recycling and re-use through history. Merchants have arrived from all over the country to sell good food and authentic handicraft.

During the Night of Museums many museums across Estonia will open their doors free of charge.

In the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit in gorgeous places and their light is gleaming all over the land. No one may miss the Midsummer Day’s bonfire, otherwise they’ll be haunted by laziness and drowsiness for the whole year; those who fail to show up by the swing in Midsummer Day will be fading away at home and moulding by the fence. Let’s come together and celebrate the most beautiful time of the northern summer with a great party, music, dancing, singing and games!

In the middle of the harvest time we welcome everybody interested in traditional Estonian food. The hero of the day is home-made rye bread which we can call the king of our food. At Estonian Bread Day we take a look at how bread is made starting from threshing and grinding grain to the way to eat the bread. Other old Estonian dishes are also introduced. Tasty Estonian food and authentic handicraft can be bought from autumn fair.

September 29th is the day we finish our chores outside and start working indoors. We are celebrating Michaelmas Day with a sermon at Sutlepa chapel. It is also the first day of The Estonian Open Air Museum’s winter season and the entry is free for everyone!

When all the field labour and cattle chores are done, it is time to celebrate. In the beginning of October we invite Seto and Peipus-Russian communities to take a breath and enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

St. Martin’s Day is one of the merriest and most colourful holidays in the Estonian folk calendar. On this day children and adults dress in old shabby coats, smear their faces with soot and go door to door singing songs, asking riddles and wishing good luck and happiness to the families.

In the Estonian folk calendar St. Catherine’s Day marks the beginning of indoor activities. Women as well as men dressed in beautiful white clothes, with their cheeks painted red with beetroot go trick-or-treating, i.e. collecting gifts in return for songs and blessings.

Christmas is the most beloved holiday for the Estonians, eagerly awaited both by children and adults. It contains glitter and darkness, jolly bustle and solemn silence, joy and meditation. At the Estonian Open Air Museum you can experience all of that and let the Christmas spirit take hold of you. Step inside the old farmhouses, the schoolhouse and the village shop and take part in centuries-old Christmas preparations.