Baltica Folk Heritage Festival

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Visit Estonia / Eesti Folkloorinõukogu, Rene Jakobson

In English, “heritage” is something that is passed to an heir, and is not something you can just buy, or even adapt. This is why heritage is such an important theme throughout the Baltics. And the largest celebration of heritage in the Baltics just happens to be held in Estonia, and it is called: Baltica. Specifically, the Baltica Folk Heritage Festival. From 5–7 June, Baltica will be held celebrating the various counties of Estonia, with the main event being held in Tallinn.

A traditional “heritage village” will be erected on Harjumägi Hill and in the Commandant’s Garden, which are just up the hill from Freedom Square, or Vabaduse väljak. Over 2000 participants from all over Estonia will participate, and clues to where they come from are in the region-specific clothing, music, and even language. This is definitely an event to attend if you want to get to know Estonia on a much more intimate, and intricate, level.

This year’s theme is “Uut ja vana!” in Estonian, or officially in English “Presenting the Past!” Dance, musical instruments, song, handicrafts, and food of Estonia’s minority communities will also be presented and celebrated, including of Udmurt, Mordvin, Ingrian, Finnish, Belarusian, and Jewish origins. Nearly ten venues will be set up in the festival area, each hosting various events and cultures all day long and into the late evening.

Estonian heritage is available to all Estonians, and all visitors are welcome and encouraged to take part in the Baltica festival. This year the Baltica Folk Heritage Festival is being held for the 38th time. It is held in association with CIOFF®, the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, which is affiliated with UNESCO.

The full programme can be found in English here.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Baltica Dance Estonian Culture Events in Tallinn family events Folk Festival heritage music