Shrove Tuesday and Maslenitsa

Estonian Shrove Tuesday and Orthodox Maslenitsa
Sunday, 15 February, 11:00–16:00

Estonian Shrove Tuesday and Orthodox Maslenitsa share a similar time of year and a similar festive spirit, but each has its own customs, dishes and traditions. This year at the Open Air Museum, visitors can get to know the games and festive foods of Shrovetide in both cultural traditions.

According to Estonian tradition, an important part of Shrovetide was sledging. It was believed that the longer and faster you slid, the better the flax would grow and the more prosperous the household would be, as flax processing was one of the main sources of livelihood.

Maslenitsa, which Orthodox Christians celebrate according to the old calendar for a whole week, is a time to eat one’s fill, visit relatives and friends, enjoy winter pastimes and say a heartfelt farewell to winter.

Sassi-Jaani farmyard – Shrovetide games

Alongside sledding, there were many other Shrovetide amusements in the old days, and they are all waiting for you here. You can warm up properly and have your fill of fun by chasing away the effigy, pretending with a partner to be a horse in harness, or “driving pigs out into the field.” It makes no difference whether there are biting frosts or mild days, snow or none at all—these games can be played in any weather!

Härjapea farm – secrets of radiant skin and hair in the 1930s

Beautiful hair is an adornment for anyone and is especially important for women. Shrovetide is the perfect time to reflect on how to help your hair using natural remedies. The women of Härjapea Farm introduce medicinal plants that promote hair growth, add shine, or lighten hair. Along the way, you can also get advice from them on achieving feminine shapes worthy of a farm mistress.

Lau village shop – sweets and drinks for rosy cheeks

According to the Estonian folk calendar, Shrovetide – like Candlemas, the Annunciation, and St. Catherine’s Day – belongs to women’s holidays, when women were forbidden to work and were allowed to visit the tavern and drink red beverages. In honour of the women’s holiday, the shopkeepers have stocked the store with a range of red drinks that will give your cheeks a lovely blush.
And of course, the village shop counter is piled high with sweets – how could it be otherwise!

Kuie village school – quiz and Shrovetide footage

At school, everyone can learn something! In a quiz devoted to the Estonian Shrovetide and the Orthodox Maslenitsa week, those interested can test their knowledge and learn something new about both celebrations. Between tasks, Kuie School will screen archival footage of wintertime amusements.

Kolkhoz apartment building – Shrovetide dishes and Shrovetide spinners

In the old days, Estonians called Shrovetide Meatfare, as by that time the barrelled meat supplies on farms were running out. From the pigs slaughtered at Christmas, only the feet, tails, and ears remained—and these were used to prepare Shrovetide treats.

The good old pea soup with pork feet is cooked in the 1978 apartment. Shrovetide buns with cream are baked in the 2019 apartment – here you can warm up and also buy a red drink to take with you. It’s good if you’ve brought your own cup! In the basement, Shrovetide spinners are made – they will drive away any evil spirits!

Kolga farm barn-shed

At the exhibition “Every Small Step Matters,” even the youngest visitors will learn how to live frugally and thoughtfully. At 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00, the farm hostess leads tours to the barn’s residents – livestock and poultry.

Sleigh trail and ice carousel on the Windmill hill

From the hill with the windmills, you can ride down in Shrovetide tradition in any weather! Come for a breezy slide – for the benefit of your family’s economic growth! If the weather is favourable, visitors will also be able to ride an ice carousel on the pond.

Seto village square – festive customs of minorities living in Estonia

On the village square located between the Seto farm and the Old Believer dwelling from the Lake Peipus region, you can encounter a colourful winter celebration: samovars steaming, pancakes sizzling on pans, and young and old alike enjoying the atmosphere. Visitors can also take part in Shrovetide games of different peoples and various contests.

You can get acquainted with the Shrovetide dishes of the Udmurts.
At 13:00, the Erzya people present their Shrovetide customs.
At 15:00, the farewell to winter takes place – visitors are invited to a ritual burning of a straw effigy.

Seto farmyard – flax processing

Why was it so important on Shrovetide to sledge as far as possible? What did tall flax mean for a peasant family? How was flax processed, and what tools were used? All this can be seen and learned in the yard of the Seto farmstead.

Old dwelling of the Seto farm – making straw dolls

In the old Seto farmhouse, visitors can make a ritual straw doll, characteristic of the Orthodox tradition, for bidding farewell to winter.

New dwelling of the Seto farm – pancakes baked in the oven and fortune-telling

At Shrovetide, Orthodox believers treat themselves to rich, hearty pancakes traditionally baked in an oven. Each day of Maslenitsa week, pancakes had their own meaning and were prepared with different fillings. A large golden-brown pancake symbolizes the Sun, which, after the long winter, regains its dominance and brings the long-awaited spring.

Old Believer house from the Lake Peipus region – Shrovetide dishes and Old Believer customs

The hostesses prepare cabbage and pumpkin pancakes and introduce visitors to the Shrovetide customs of the Old Believers.

Kolu Inn – folk music, Shrovetide dishes and red drinks

According to ancient custom, at Shrovetide women also had the exceptional right to visit the tavern and partake of a red drink – be it cranberry mors or a strong red-colored tincture. Kolu Tavern welcomes everyone regardless of age or gender and offers a wide selection of Shrovetide dishes. On the menu for all lovers of winter fun are hearty pea soup, pork feet with mashed vegetables, and Shrovetide buns with cream!

In the banquet hall (the stable) of the tavern, from 11:00 to 15:00, a festive atmosphere is created by the folk ensemble Piibarid with traditional music.

Horse-drawn carriage rides are an integral part of celebrating both Estonian Shrovetide and Orthodox Maslenitsa festivities.

To spare visitors too much walking, those interested can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the route from Kolu Tavern to the Seto village square.

HOW TO FIND US?

• By car: free parking at the parking lot at the main entrance of the museum or at the rear entrance parking lot (about 1 km from the main entrance in the direction of Kakumäe).

• By public transport: buses No. 21 and 21B will bring you to the main entrance of the museum (bus stop Rocca al Mare) or to the rear gate closer to the event location (bus stop Õismäe raba). Buses No. 41 and 41b will get you from the museum to the city centre.