Estonia: Spring Day

 

Estonia: Spring Day (Kevadpüha), celebrated annually on May 1st, is a public holiday marking the arrival of spring after the long Estonian winter. It's a day with ancient roots, blending pagan traditions celebrating nature's renewal with more modern secular festivities.  

 

Here's a breakdown of what Estonia's Spring Day entails:

  • Celebration of Spring: At its core, it's a welcoming of the warmer weather, blooming nature, and longer days.
  • Public Holiday: May 1st is a day off for most people in Estonia, allowing them to enjoy the spring atmosphere.  
  • Blends with Walpurgis Night (Volbriöö): The eve of Spring Day, April 30th, is known as Volbriöö, a night ofcarnival-like celebrations with bonfires, music, and sometimes dressing up as witches, a tradition with ancient German pagan roots.
  • Maypoles: Similar to other European countries, Maypoles (tall poles decorated with greenery and ribbons) are sometimes erected. Tradition suggests they have the power to make couples fall in love.  
  • Picnics and Outdoor Activities: With the warmer weather, people often spend Spring Day enjoying picnics and other outdoor activities with family and friends.
  • Fairs and Events: You might find spring fairs with handicrafts and food, as well as other community events celebrating the season. The Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn often hosts a special Spring Day event.  
  • Secular Holiday: While it has roots in ancient pagan and later Christian traditions (related to Saint Walpurga), in modern Estonia, Spring Day is primarily celebrated as a secular holiday marking the change of seasons and honoring workers (as it coincides with International Workers' Day in many parts of the world).  

So, Estonia's Spring Day is a festive occasion to embrace the new life and energy that spring brings, often with community gatherings and outdoor enjoyment, sometimes extending from the lively Walpurgis Night celebrations on the eve.