Important Dates on the Estonian Calendar

One thing I have discovered on my previous trips to Estonia is that I have missed some important events on the Estonian calendar due to poor planning. Here are some dates you should add to your diary so you can share in the fun of these festivities during your next trip to Estonia.

National Holidays
Independence Day (Iseseisvuspäev) - February 24
May Day (kevadpüha) - May 1
National Flag Day (Eesti lipu päev) - June 4
Victory Day (võidupüha) - June 23
St. John’s Day (Jaanipaev) - June 24
Day of Restoration of Independence (taasiseseisvumispäev) - August 20

Events
Viljandi Folk Music Festival  - July
Spring Fair at the Open Air Museum - Easter
Tallinn Old Town Days  – May (street performers and markets which lasts one week)
Jazzkaar – Spring Music Festival - April
Ollesummer (Beer Summer) - July
Medieval Day  – July (street markets and entertainment)
St. Martins Day Fair - November
Black Night Film Festival - November
Christmas Markets- From November until early January
Baroque music festival - Winter January/February
The All-Estonian Song Festival (Laulupidu) takes place every five years in Tallinn
The Setu Song Festival (Leelopäev) every three years in the village of Värska, in the Setomaa region of south-eastern Estonia

In Estonia Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and Father's Day on the second Sunday in November.