Photo: Visit Estonia
Several centuries have passed since the Hanseatic times, yet the colourful clothes, lively music, boastful weapons and the wisdom of craftsmen remain enthralling to this day. Visit the events that bring medieval ways to life again and travel back in time!
1
Tallinn Old Town Days
Throughout Estonia
30.05.2018 - 03.06.2018
Tallinn Old Town Days are the biggest festival in Old Town dedicated to the local cultural heritage and community. Various music, theatre, art, and sports events are held during five days for both locals and visitors. Both old and young guests can peak into the courtyards of the Old Town, learn about the long and impressive history of Tallinn, and participate in various activities. The festival, which has been held since 1982, celebrates the beginning of a beautiful summer.
2
Hanseatic Days in Viljandi
Throughout Estonia
01.06.2018 - 02.06.2018
Viljandi is an ancient town full of youthful vigour. If today Viljandi can be called the export capital of Estonia due to the numerous innovative companies located here, then in the Middle Ages, the city was the centre of activity due to the trade route that passed through the city. Viljandi Hanseatic Days take place annually in order to commemorate the golden age of Viljandi. In early summer, this small town gives itself over to medieval customs and looks back on how the membership of the Hanseatic League brought riches and bold ideas to the town over the course of time. Viljandi is still a member of the Hanseatic League.
3
Kuressaare Castle Days
Saare maakond, Kuressaare linn
29.06.2018 - 30.06.2018
Kuressaare Castle Days, which will take place between 29 and 30 June, combine a series of historical shows, activities and concerts for adults, as well as children. You can attend a tournament, re-enactments of battles, as well as experience the atmosphere of old dance halls; musicians perform music from various eras and artisans offer high-quality natural goods that are inspired by history. There are also many other educational and exciting events!
4
Pärnu Hansa Days
Pärnu maakond, Pärnu linn
28.06.2019 - 30.06.2019
History is a storyteller of long ago times. Pärnu’s Hanseatic Days Festival gives us a look back into the past. Let’s go back to our roots. We’ll go to the wisdom filled rocks. Medieval customs, ethnic crafts, ancient skills and spiritual wealth! Come to buy and sell, to learn and to teach. Listen to enchanting musical rhythms, dance crazy dances during a medieval celebration.
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5
Medieval Days in Tallinn's Old Town
Harju maakond, Tallinn
05.07.2018 - 08.07.2018
The Medieval Days are one of the most important annual events of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union since the year 2000. The Medieval Days take place in Tallinn’s Old Town every year on the first full week of July from Thursday to Sunday (in 2014 due to song and dance festival one week later). During the Medieval Days you are able to feel the atmosphere of the flourishing Hanseatic era. A large medieval market is set up in the Town Hall Square with merchants and workshops. Musicians and dancers from near and far take the stage. A medieval procession opens the event followed by various workshops, excursions and theatre performances. The children’s area is situated on the Niguliste hill where children are able to participate in workshops, knight tournaments and other exciting activities.
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Hansa Days in Tartu
Tartu maakond, Tartu
07.07.2018 - 08.07.2018
During the Hanseatic Days in Tartu visitors of all ages will experience the colourful and merry market atmosphere. The city will also see a visit from the spirit of the Hanseatic era who is full of surprises. For two days the city centre will become a place where visitors can taste dishes made from local ingredients, learn new skills, attend both spontaneous and scheduled concerts, and enjoy themselves in the company of friends, be they grown-ups or children.
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Medieval Days in the Viljandi Order Castle
Viljandi maakond, Viljandi
13.07.2018 - 14.07.2018
The hills on the shores of Lake Viljandi tell the story of the greatest fortress in medieval Estonia. During two days, the medieval life will be introduced: daily activities, music, celebrations, nightly romantic walks with a torch, campfires, art, crafts, market life, swordfights, jesters, and fair jokes. There are four workshops: for massage, crystals, witchcraft, and palm reading. Guests can ride in horse carriages, be entertained by jesters, listen to the legends of pilgrims, enjoy performances from musicians with fireworks, eat medieval dishes in a tavern, and participate in a feast.
8
Historical Festival "Narva Battle"
Throughout Estonia
11.08.2017 - 12.08.2018
"Narva Battle" as an international festival has grown into the main event of summer in Narva and it brings together military-historical clubs from all over Northern Europe to meet at the courtyard of Narva Castle. Soldiers in uniforms of Peter I and Karl XII times live in war camps that are located in the courtyard for three days to reconstruct one of the most famous battles of the Northern War that took place between Russia and Sweden. Reconstruction of a village of the same time period will show the everyday life of common people and the Northern Yard will host a fair. Young soldiers can sign up for recruits and military training will take place exactly the same way as it was 300 years ago.
9
White Lady Festival
Lääne maakond, Haapsalu linn
24.08.2018 - 26.08.2018
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.