Celebrate Midsummer’s at the Estonian Open Air Museum

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Estonian Open Air Museum

“When the village folk came together” is the theme of this year’s Midsummer’s, or jaanipäev, event at the Estonian Open Air Museum just west of Tallinn. For visitors to Tallinn who want the full experience of an authentic and old-style Estonian Midsummer’s celebration, this is for you.

The event will begin at 19:00 with a parade at the front gate of the Open Air Museum. Participants can march with the Leigarid folk group, singing songs, on their way to the village swing area by the seaside, where the massive bonfire will be lit. At 19:45, Voksen Skoles Musikkorps from Norway, a youth brass band, will perform, adding an international flare to the event celebrated throughout northern Europe.

The Estonian band Kukerpillid will also perform three sets on the hour starting at 21:00. At the Village Ground, visitors can enjoy Leigarid again, while playing games, and observing several different styles of national folk costumes, or rahvariided, from the various regions of Estonia.

At 20:30, the SONAM choir, or Singers of New and Ancient Music, from the US will perform in the Sassi-Jaani farmyard, conducted by Dr. Allan Friedman. Other locations, often called “farms” at the Open Air Museum, will have various special exhibits and performances. All buildings and areas will be open until 22:30, and those with special events until 23:00. The Toiduakadeemia Grilllounge will offer wonderful food from 18:00 until midnight. Visitors are asked to please bring their own reusable dishes. This mild inconvenience will certainly be outweighed by the smoked salmon and rhubarb muffins available, plus much more.

There will also be a rodeo bull for visitors to test themselves on, with the winner being the one who can stay on the longest winning a hundred euros!

Parking is limited, so during large, popular events such as this, it is advisable to use public transport to attend. Bus lines, and more information about the event itself, is available here.

The Estonian Open Air Museum is an outdoor museum located on a plot of several hectares where visitors can learn about life in Estonia in days gone by. Each of the “farms” offer unique and fascinating experiences for visitors, young and old alike.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Bonfire celebration Dancing Estonian Open Air Museum Events in Estonia grilling Midsummer music