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.

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Estonian Folklore Events in Estonia Haapsalu Haapsalu Castle Haapsalu Events White Lady