International Bread Day will take place on October 16 this year. The day was established by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC) in 2005 to honour bread's significance as a staple food, a cultural symbol, and a source of livelihoods worldwide.
In Estonia, dark rye bread (must leib), is exceptionally important in Estonian culture, serving as a dietary staple, a symbol of identity, and a central element of traditional meals. Its deep historical roots in Estonian agriculture and a long tradition of hard work to produce it have fostered significant respect for bread. It's considered sacred and in old tradition, if you accidentally drop a piece of bread on the floor, you are supposed to pick it up and kiss it!
In September the Estonian Open Air Museum celebrated its own Estonian Bread Day as part of their Autumn Fair. During the festival visitors were able to learn the art of making bread by attending workshops.
Bread appears in many Estonian proverbs including "Jätku leiba!" (may there always be enough bread!).
