Walpurgis Night Across Estonia

Text Stewart Johnson
Image by freepik

The Feast of St Walpurga was originally observed on 1 May. St Walpurga was an Anglo–Saxon missionary to medieval France, and this day celebrated her canonisation. These days, the night before is the main event, known as Walpurgis Night (in Estonian Volbriöö). It should be noted that Walpurgis Night is six months after All Hallows Eve (Halloween), so it should be no surprise that witches and bonfires would be involved. Walpurgis Night is a celebration of the arrival of spring.

Tartu

In close connection with the week-long Student Days festival in Tartu, there will be an environmentally-friendly fireworks show at the Kaarsild (Arch Bridge) at 23:00 on 30 April. This event is free. All along the banks of the Emajõgi River you can find festivities. If you look around, you can probably also find smaller bonfires where anyone is welcome to join.

Tallinn

Tallinn’s Kultuurikatel will host a concert by Estonia’s very own legendary Anne Veski and 2 Quick Start. There will also be a cocktail bar with a fantastic selection, and live DJs before, between, and after the main musical acts. Doors open at 20:00, the show starts at 21:30, and tickets are available here.

The popular bar Chicago will also have a live band, Regatt, playing the most popular Estonian music from the 70s to the 90s. Doors open at 18:00 and advance tickets are available here.

If you’re looking for a child-friendly event, or simply good ideas for how to celebrate Walpurgis Night with your children, you can find inspiration and events (only in Estonian though) at this link.

Pärnu

Probably the largest party in Pärnu, Club Vaarikas will have a concert featuring Kurjad Plaanid (“Evil Plans”). Doors open at 23:00, and tickets are available here.

Saaremaa

Club Nasva, just outside of Kuressaare in Saaremaa, will have a child-friendly event from 18–20:00 called the Witches Rally. The main party for larger witches will start at 21:00, featuring live DJs, a live band, food, drinks, and of course: costumes!

To learn more about this and similar topics
Events in Pärnu events in Saaremaa Events in Tallinn Events In Tartu Saaremaa Tallinn Volbriöö Walpurgis Night