15.8.2024 | Culture
The White Lady Festival brings a haunting legend to life
Text Mark Taylor
Photo Andrei Chertkov
The White Lady Festival is a long-standing tradition in the Haapsalu that brings to life the haunting legend to life. This annual event, which is one of the most anticipated summer festivals in the region, will take place this weekend (August 16 to 18).
The legend of the White Lady, which dates back to the Middle Ages, tells of a forbidden love between a canon and an Estonian girl. Disguised as a boy, the girl was brought into the Episcopal Castle, but their secret was discovered. The canon was imprisoned, and the girl was entombed alive in the Baptistery wall. Her spirit is said to appear in the Haapsalu Dome Church’s window on August full moon nights, mourning her lost love and symbolising enduring love.
The White Lady Festival, which has been celebrated for over three decades, transforms the city’s old town into a bustling marketplace filled with cultural events from dawn until dusk. The festival’s highlight is the open-air performances that take place as darkness falls, reenacting the tragic love story of the White Lady.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy a rich programme that includes traditional crafts, local food, music, and theatre performances, all set against the backdrop of Haapsalu’s historic architecture. The festival offers a unique blend of history, legend, and community, making it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists.
You can get more infromation about the event from the official website.
To learn more about this and similar topicsEstonian Folklore
Events in Estonia
Haapsalu
Haapsalu Castle
Haapsalu Events
White Lady
18.11.2024 | Culture
Exciting Events in Estonia this week
18.10.2024–04.05.2025 Sooster 100: View from Private Collections, Mikkel Museum, Tallinn The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth … Read more
17.11.2024 | Shopping
5 Christmas markets around Estonia in 2024
Christmas markets have a nostalgic, almost magical feel for most of us. The twinkling lights, wooden stalls, Christmas music, … Read more
15.11.2024 | Culture
There will be a bumper number of festive concerts around Estonia this year
Christmas is not just about shopping, large amounts of food, and spending precious time with friends and family – … Read more
14.11.2024 | Culture
Tallinn Music Week 2025 sets new application record
Tallinn Music Week (TMW) 2025, scheduled for April 3-6 2025, has attracted a record number of applications, with nearly … Read more
13.11.2024 | Culture
The ninth edition of Tartu Folk starts tomorrow
The international festival Tartu Folk will begin in the city tomorrow (November 14), and run to Sunday (November 17). … Read more
12.11.2024 | Culture
Exhibition on the rare protected Eurasian otter is now open at Ülemiste Shopping Centre
The Ülemiste Shopping Centre in Tallinn has unveiled a new exhibition titled “Otter – the Water Wolf,” which focuses … Read more
11.11.2024 | Culture
Exciting events in Estonia this week
01–30.11 Taste Adventure of Ida-Viru, Across Ida-Viru During the monthlong event, visitors can enjoy themed dinners and unique experiences … Read more
10.11.2024 | Culture
Tallinn Rock Festival to debut with international headliners
The first-ever Tallinn Rock Festival will take place on June 27-28, at the Unibet Arena and its surrounding outdoor … Read more