Midsummer Bonfires in Southern Estonia

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Visit Estonia

As in all Nordic countries, Midsummer’s Eve, or St John’s Day Eve—jaanipäev, in Estonian—is more popular than Christmas. Bonfires, grilled food, sauna, hiking, swimming, responsible drinking followed by jumping over or through said bonfires are staples of the Estonian experience for a proper Midsummer’s celebration. This is a list of some of the larger local bonfires.

Kambja, about 15 minutes south of Tartu will have a bonfire on 20 June. There will be a mini-zoo, pony rides, a trampoline, games, and other activities and refreshments. The live band will be Teine Mees.

The Kambja rural municipality will have a bonfire the next day, on 21 June, at the Estonian Agricultural Museum. Traditional games will be available, as well as refreshments, and even workshops. Live music by Karl-Erik Taukar.

The Nõo rural municipality will have a bonfire on 20 June with a slackline performance by Tauri Vahesaar, and a concert by Ivo Linna and the band Supernova.

The Elva rural municipality will have a bonfire on 20 June with the bands Justament, and Recovery.

The village of Elva itself has its bonfire on 21 June. Kurjad Plaanid, Respekt, Anne Loho, Beatrice, and Mohiito will all be performing.

Tammistu, a bit northeast of Tartu, will have a bonfire on 21 June with the band Detail.

The Tartu rural municipality will have their bonfire on 22 June in Vasula, about 20 minutes north of Tartu. Singer Vinger will be the musical guest.

The city of Tartu itself will have its bonfire on the actual Midsummer’s Eve, 23 June, in Raadi Park, in the northern part of town. Handicrafts, workshops, singing and dancing games, and special musical guest: Curly Strings.

Near the shores of Lake Peipus is a village called Koosa on 22 June. They will hold a bonfire event with Meie Mees, and again Ivo Linna & Supernova.

The Kastre rural municipality will have a bonfire on 23 June in Kurepalu with the band Wiiralt.

Luunja’s bonfire will be on 23 June, and will feature live DJ music and the band Fix.

Räpina’s bonfire will also be on 23 June, and feature Straadiraadio, Nele-Liis Vaiksoo, and Uku Suviste.

Similar bonfires will be held throughout the country. If you have a specific place in mind that is not on this list, you could just search for it plus the Estonian word “jaanituli”. If you have gone through this entire list, you’ll notice that while the official party day is 23 June, several places have their bonfires a day or even two earlier. This is because it is tradition to have live music, but all the popular acts are booked, so the bonfires often have to be scheduled to fit the performers’ schedules.

Have a wonderful Midsummer’s, and remember to drink responsibly. Please have a designated driver with you and your group.

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Elva Jaanipäev jaanituli Midsummer Räpina Southern Estonia St John’s Day Tartu