We know Estonia
10.2.2024 | Culture

Explore fun Shrove Tuesday traditions at the Estonian Open Air Museum this Sunday

Text Susanna Poikela
Photo Andrei Chertkov

Explore fun Shrove Tuesday traditions at the Estonian Open Air Museum this Sunday

 

On Sunday, February 11, the Estonian Open Air Museum will organise a traditional family-orientated Shrovetide event. During the day, you can play traditional games, enter a sledding competition, get beauty tips from the 1930s, and much more.

Shrove Tuesday has been celebrated in Europe for centuries. In Estonia, it has long been a time of getting together, eating, and having fun before Lent.

Shrove Tuesday has also been a day when Estonian people went to the local hill to sled. With a flax sack, skis, or sled in hand, they would see how far they would travel down the slope. The further they went indicating good luck and a prosperous flax harvest. After sledding families gathered to eat boiled pig’s feet and pea soup.

At the Estonian Open Air Museum the whole family has the opportunity to get to know Estonian Shrovetide traditions, eat vastlakukkel buns, and much more. The museum area has houses from different parts of Estonia, including Härjapea farm, Kuie School, Kolu Inn, and Kolga farm, where different events will be taking place.

A more detailed Shrovetide programme of the day is available in English on the website of the Estonian Open Air Museum. 

The museum is open on Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. A family ticket to the museum costs 25 euros.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Beauty Estonian Open Air Museum Estonian Traditions Shrovetide Shrove Tuesday Tallinn Vastlakukkel

14.4.2026 | Culture

Finno-Ugric Folktronica Concert in Tartu’s Genklubi

Finno-Ugric Folktronica Concert in Tartu’s Genklubi

Finno-Ugric Folktronica is a one-night music programme taking place at Genialistide Klubi in Tartu, also known locally as Genklubi, … Read more

14.4.2026 | Culture

A Norwegian–Estonian–Finnish Evening of Music

A Norwegian–Estonian–Finnish Evening of Music

This Saturday, 18 April, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, sometimes described as an all-star ensemble of Norwegian musicians and celebrating … Read more

13.4.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

10 April–31 October Consulate of EGS exhibition, Tallinn Works by the internationally renowned Finnish graffiti, contemporary and glass artist … Read more

12.4.2026 | Culture

Iberofest Celebrates Several Countries

Iberofest Celebrates Several Countries

Officially named the Iberoamerican Culture Celebration, but unofficially dubbed Iberofest, this long-running festival will begin in April and extend … Read more

11.4.2026 | Culture

Estonian Music Days Have Begun

Estonian Music Days Have Begun

At the same time as the three-day music programme of Tallinn Music Week reaches its culmination today, Saturday, the … Read more

10.4.2026 | Culture

Comedian Ed Byrne Returns to Tallinn

Comedian Ed Byrne Returns to Tallinn

Ed Byrne is one of the most celebrated comedians in Ireland and the UK, and on 16 April he … Read more

9.4.2026 | Culture

Tartu’s City Centre Is Being Renewed—Little by Little

Tartu’s City Centre Is Being Renewed—Little by Little

Last summer, we reported on the approval of the detailed plan for the large Siuru Cultural Centre to be … Read more

9.4.2026 | Culture

Sepultura to Perform at Tallinn Rock Festival

Sepultura to Perform at Tallinn Rock Festival

The recent surprise announcement that Sepultura, one of the most influential names in heavy metal music for nearly 40 … Read more