Holidays in Estonia

Holidays in Estonia are only of a national nature. They are official and are established by the parliament. At the same time, many different festivals are held, which make this aspect of the life of the population more informal and versatile. But many public holidays are quite fun. Coming to the country, one can immediately see how the people of Estonia honor their culture, traditions and customs, since the main attribute of many holidays are national costumes.

Public Holidays in Estonia

The country officially celebrates 26 holidays, half of which provides for days off. The most favorite holidays in Estonia are celebrated in May and April. Just in this period, the influx of tourists into the country begins. What holidays are celebrated in Estonia:

1. New Year . It is celebrated as in most countries on 1 January. Since many Russians live in Estonia, the New Year begins to be celebrated one hour before the battle of the chiming clock, according to Russian time. The main holiday of the year is noisy and fun.
2. Memorial Day of the Fighters of the War of Independence . This holiday can be called national in Estonia. Since it reminds every inhabitant how from 1918 and for two years their compatriots died, so that the descendants would breathe free air. On this day there is a parade, which is headed by Estonians in national dresses and with a flag.
3. Day of conclusion of the Tartu Treaty . In 1920, a peace treaty was signed in Tartu between Estonia and Soviet Russia. In which the sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia was recognized. This event is very honored by Estonians.
4. Day of candles . It is also celebrated on February 2 and symbolizes the day when "winter is refracted in half." On this day, women drink wine or red juice to be beautiful and healthy in the summer, and men do all the women's housework.
5. Valentine's Day . This is a holiday, as in all of Europe is celebrated on February 14. In Estonia, gifts and flowers on this day are given to all dear and beloved people, and not just to their mates.
6. Independence Day of Estonia . It is celebrated on 24 February. The way to Estonia's independence was thorny, so this day is one of the main public holidays in the country.
7. Day of native language in Estonia . On March 14, Estonians mark the day of their native language. The holiday is actively celebrated in educational institutions, educating in the younger generation a love for the native language. Tourists can observe only a few concerts in the main squares in the cities.
8. Day of spring in Estonia . This is the first May holiday in Estonia. It symbolizes the coming of spring and is the most beautiful holiday. On this day in all parks are arranged competitions in archery, jumps and much more. The most important event is the choice of the Countess of May, an analog of the beauty contest.
9. Europe Day and Victory Day are celebrated together . On this day, flags of the European Union and Estonia are posted. Also hold events dedicated to the Great Patriotic War: viewing documentary and feature films, theater productions, military songs and much more.
10. Mother's Day . It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Unlike March 8, this is an official holiday, in which mothers and pregnant women are congratulated. They give them color and gifts.
11. Victory Day in the Battle of Võnnus in Estonia . This day is dedicated to the events of June 23, 1919. Estonian troops then opposed the German, so this holiday honors the memory of brave and brave soldiers.
12. Day of restoration of independence of Estonia . It is celebrated on August 20 and is dedicated to the 1991 event - the coup. This holiday is not so noisy as other public holidays. Estonians hang national flags on their houses, and concerts are held in the squares.
13. Estonian Day in Estonia . This is a celebration of the beginning of autumn, which is celebrated on August 24. It is believed that it is on this day that autumn comes into its own. Also Estonians are sure that the water in the lakes and rivers is very cold, because "Pärtel throws a cold stone into the water." This holiday is celebrated most widely in cities located in more northern latitudes.
14. Halloween . It is celebrated on October 31st. In the evening, a procession in carnival costumes is arranged in the cities. Children and teenagers wear masks and go to houses with sacks. According to the legend, "evil forces" come into the house to inflict harm, but if they give them a gift, they will be harmless.
15. Fathers Day in Estonia . On the second Sunday in November, all Estonian popes receive congratulations. Officially, this holiday is celebrated since 1992, but before in many houses a small family holiday was organized into a part of popes. Today this holiday is celebrated at Mother's Day.

Unofficial holidays in Estonia

Despite the fact that all the holidays in Estonia are established by the parliament, there are still those that have become a tradition for many decades, therefore the Estonians continue to celebrate them:

1. International Women's Day . It is celebrated on March 8. Until 1990, the holiday was a state holiday. Despite the fact that for more than 20 years it has not been so popular among the people, and opposition parties from time to time offer the government to solve its former status.
2. Walpurgis Night . On April 30, witches gather for a sabbath and be evicted: they dance and sing. Therefore, Estonians believe that this city should be very noisy, so that the evil forces are frightened and run away. Therefore, on the night of April 30, May 1, nobody sleeps, everyone plays noisy games, dances, sings, takes to the streets with musical instruments and creates a lot of noise. Do not even try to sleep that night, you can not do it.
3. Yana's day . On June 24, a day of miracles and witchcraft was celebrated in the villages. Girls weave wreaths on their heads and nine different kinds of flowers and putting on a wreath they must remain silent. In it, the girl must go to bed. Such "torments" the girl suffers for the sake of the future spouse, since the narrowed should come and remove the wreath at night.
4. Kadrin is the day . November 25 is a holiday dedicated to Kadri - the patroness of sheep. On this day, according to an ancient tradition, young cattle are mated. Also, people walking along the streets sing songs, wishing to receive food. Today, dressed up, you can see mostly children, they go to their homes and sing songs. For them, candies and chocolate are always prepared.

Religious holidays in Estonia

The majority of the population of Estonia are deeply religious Catholics, therefore religious holidays occupy an important place in the life of Estonians:

1. Catholic Epiphany . It is celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, a flag is hung out on all the houses, tables are laid in the houses and the birthday of Christ is celebrated.
2. Catholic Good Friday . It is celebrated in April on the eve of Easter. The feast is dedicated to the memories of the day of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In the temple passages of service.
3. Catholic Easter . It is celebrated in April, on the first Sunday after the full moon. The second Easter day is Monday. It is a day off. Since at this time in Estonia is already warm, many people go on picnics or just walk in nature. Parks are full of people.
4. The first Sunday of Advent . This holiday falls on some number in the period from November 29 to December 3. It can be considered religious, because it is he who, firstly, is devoted to thinking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and secondly, is the preparation for Christmas. Therefore, Advent lasts until December 24.
5. Christmas Eve . In Estonia, it takes place on 24 December. It is customary to have a rest on this day with friends: to visit or invite them in yourself. All because this is the next Christmas holiday, which is customary to lead in a narrow family circle.
6. Catholic Christmas . By tradition, it is celebrated on December 25. This is the main religious holiday, which is revered even more than the New Year. In Estonia, December 26 is celebrated the Second Day of Christmas. Both days off. The streets are filled with cheerful cheerful atmosphere, the houses are decorated with lights.

Festivals

Estonia boasts a large number of official festivals, which are held throughout the country. The brightest among them are:

1. July Folk Festival . It is held in Tallinn , which attracts famous and not very artists from all over the country. The festival is accompanied by a march through the city. This is the main singing holiday in Estonia.
2. Grilfest or "Grill festival" . One of the most delicious festivals. It lasts for several days, during which guests are invited to try a variety of meat dishes on the grill, and also take a look at the competition for cooking grilled meat.
3. Ullesummer . Following the "Grill Festival" is not less tasty festival, which is translated from Estonian, as "Beer Summer". It takes 4-7 days. Guests of the holiday are tourists and local residents, but the participants are large and small breweries. They offer visitors to taste their beer, and liked to buy. You can also learn a lot of interesting things about the old Estonian family breweries.

During the year, other festivals can also be held that have not yet become a tradition, but have already won the attention of viewers, for example, the "Coffee Festival" .