Narva Days Is a Unique Celebration in Estonia

Text Stewart Johnson

Photo Andrei Chertkov

Narva is an Estonian city that was officially founded in 1345, and has unquestionably had quite a colourful, if not tragic, history. Today its history is celebrated with the annual Narva Days, and this year it is part of the ESTO 2025 event, which unites Estonian diasporas around the world every four years. This year’s event will feature the traditional parade, a fair where visitors can find all manner of handicrafts, homeware, local foods, and more, and of course concerts.

The first day of Narva Days will begin with a homemade street car race, an event whose participants either take very seriously, or with a great sense of humour. The Narva City Run will follow, with multiple races ranging from a mile, to a 10K. This year’s race will take runners through the heart of the old Kreenholm Manufacturing District, which at the beginning of the 20th century was the largest textile plant in Eastern Europe.

Estonian superstar and cultural icon Ivo Linna and Supernova will perform in the evening, followed by Stefan, of Eurovision fame, and various smaller parties and events throughout the city.

The second day will feature more of the same, but it will be highlighted by the arrival of the official torch flame of the Song and Dance Festival, in the run-up to the main event a week later in Tallinn. Hermann Castle, also known as the Narva Castle and Museum, will have a concert in the evening dubbed SweedEst Song, as well as performances by Naised Köögis—which translates as Women in the Kitchen—and Zetod. More information about Narva Days and ESTO 2025 is available in Estonian here.

Until Narva was mostly wiped from existence by the advancing Red Army in 1944, the city closely resembled Tallinn’s Old Town in terms of age and architecture. Today, only the Town Hall and its immediate vicinity, as well as Hermann Castle, remain, the rest of the city being reconstructed during the Russian Occupation of the 20th century. The city has developed an impressive promenade along the Narva River, which is the border with Russia. For those who are interested in seeing Russia without actually stepping foot in the country, this is a unique place to visit and experience.

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Events in Narva Hermann Castle Ivo Linna Museum Narva Narva Castle Narva City Run Narva Days