Festival of the Lady in White

Text Stewart Johnson
Photos Visit Estonia / Julia Kivelä, Tõnia Padu

Haapsalu’s annual Festival of the Lady in White takes place this year on 28–30 August in the Old Town area and in and around the bishop’s castle. Featuring a marketplace selling handicrafts and other goods, as well as a wide selection of food and drink, this year’s event promises to be the best yet. This is the optimum time to explore this hidden gem of Estonia, in the northwest corner of the country by the seaside.

Before we explain the name, let’s explore the tale of the Lady in White. Hundreds of years ago, in Medieval Haapsalu, then called Hapsal or Hapsel, the bishop’s castle, which still stands today, did not allow women to enter. A clergyman who resided there, known as a “cathedral canon”, was essentially expected to live the chaste life of a monk, although he was no monk. He fell in love with a local Estonian woman, and the two had a passionate affair.

Of course they were discovered, and the punishment was harsh. The canon was thrown into the castle dungeon, allowed to leave only when starvation had separated his life from his body. The woman, however, was given a morsel of bread and some water, and then sealed into the unfinished wall of the chapel, left for eternity. Her soul reappears to tell her tale each August during the full moon, her likeness haunting the chapel window. Oh, and she’s dressed entirely in white.

Which leads us to the name. In Estonian, the festival is called “Valge Daami Aeg”, or translated directly as “White Lady Time”. Although naturally there is no racial undertone intended, in today’s polarised world we have to be careful with old names involving colours. Officially in English called “The Festival of the White Lady”, meh…still not good enough. Here at The Baltic Guide, we respect all people, regardless of colour, religion, whether you’re living or dead, or any other pointless labels that cause division. That said, enjoy “The Festival of the Lady in White”. This is an excellent opportunity to explore Haapsalu, as well.

The complete programme is available in Estonian here.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Bishop’s Castle Events In Haapsalu Fair Family Event Festival History market Valge daami aeg