Walpurgis Night Is Next Week
Text Stewart Johnson Photo City of Tartu / Peeter Paaver
Originally observed on 1 May, the Feast of St Walpurga is today celebrated the night before, and is called Walpurgis Night, or Volbriöö in Estonian. It marks the arrival of spring, and is exactly six months after All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. Don’t be surprised if you see witches and bonfires throughout the countryside!
Student Days is in full swing right now in Tartu, and the best fire show is arguably going to be connected with this. At 23:00 on 30 April, next Thursday, there will be a massive fire show and concert at the Kaarsild Bridge over the Emajõgi River. This event is free. There will also be a lot of other parties throughout the city at the same time, before, and naturally after.
If you’re in Tallinn and would like to celebrate Walpurgis Night inside in a relaxing environment, the Estonia National Opera will have a concert at 19:00 titled “Dark Tones and Enchantments: Tales and Legends of Walpurgis”. This concert will feature chamber music, and tickets are available here.
Another free event in Tallinn this time is a concert by local rock sensation Ollie, who will have a concert at the Olympic Park Casino. The event will begin at 21:00, and Ollie will take the stage at 23:30. There will also be live DJ music.
The next day is the first of May, known by several names: Walpurgis Day, May Day, and even the Spring Holiday. There will be lots going on in Estonia that day, so don’t stay up too late on Walpurgis Night!
To learn more about this and similar topicsBonfire Chamber Music Concert Events in Estonia Student Days Tallinn Tartu Volbriöö
