White Lady Festival

The White Lady Festival has been one of the highlights of the summer in Haapsalu for three decades. During the weekend closest to the August full moon, the Haapsalu old town transforms into a buzzing marketplace, where the vibrant culture programme lasts from dawn to dusk, and upon the setting of the sun, open air performances of the White Lady take place in the bishop's castle.
The summer play "100 White Ladies" is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Inspired by its predecessors from 1979, "100 White Ladies" also tells the story of Maila, a young Estonian girl who meets a lord. Not only is Maila convinced that love is not to be bound by social standing – she is also driven by a strong belief in freedom. Despite repeated warnings from fellow villagers, she rebels against the bishophood in an attempt to change society for the better. Screenwriter Piret Jaaks, stage director Siim Tõniste, music by Peeter Rebane.