Tartu Officially Sends off the Holiday Season With Massive Bonfire
Text Stewart Johnson Photo Rein Leib
A years-long tradition of having a bonfire to dispose of expired Christmas trees in Tartu is happening once again this Saturday, 10 January, in Majoraadi Park at 17:00, just next to the Estonian National Museum in the Raadi district. What makes this year special is there will be a drum accompaniment to the spectacle.
When the old Christmas trees have been piled high, and the fire is lit, a drum performance by Siim Koppel and Siim Jõgioja will begin—two drummers, it seems…pun intended. There will also be what the organisers are calling “self-service marshmallow-roasting cafés”, meaning you bring the marshmallows and skewers, and fire will be provided. An actual café will also be on site where you can purchase warm drinks for what is sure to be a cold evening.
While the event itself is scheduled to last approximately one hour, visitors can certainly stay as long as they like. The Estonian National Museum, or ERM, is right next door, so this is a perfect opportunity to visit it during the day, if you have never been before. Tartu’s famous Upside Down House is also in the immediate vicinity, something that makes for a perfect day for families with children.
The Christmas tree bonfire event will also feature works by the local community’s fire sculpture workshop—yes, such a thing exists, because…Estonia. More information is available in Estonian here.
To learn more about this and similar topicsBonfire Christmas Christmas tree ERM Estonian National Museum Events In Tartu family events Upside Down House
