Events

The most known shrovetide customs in Estonia today are eating pea soup and ‘vastlakukkel’ (a sweet roll with cream) as well as sliding down a hill on a sledge. Lesser known are the prohibition of working, and the requirement of combing and cutting one’s hair so it would grow long and thick. In recent years, one cannot even count on sledging – the winters are unpredictable and the snow might not arrive on time for the Shrovetide. Nonetheless, Shrovetide is a joyful holiday, the day before the fast when hearty meat dishes were eaten and fun games were played.

The Estonian Open Air Museum invites everyone to have a good time and explore Shrovetide customs. Play outdoor Shrovetide games, find out how linen work is done or try sled hill. NB! All activities are outdoors!

Throughout history, Midsummer’s Eve has been one of the most important and joyful holidays for Estonians. This is the time when the nature is at its most potent, and thousands of bonfires are lit all over the country to celebrate the onset of the summer and attract good luck. Midsummer bonfires have always been lit in Estonian villages regardless of the weather or political system. Different Midsummer’s Eve traditions are introduced in the museum’s farmhouses.