01.02.26 - 01.02.26
Events
Candlemas
Candlemas was an important holiday in the Estonian folk calendar. On this day, the back of winter is broken, meaning that half of the winter has passed. Food stock was counted in barns and if only half of the stock had been used up, people could breathe easy because the family had enough food to last until spring.
Making candles on Candlemas was a must because light sources made on that day were believed to burn the longest and the brightest.
Women and girls anticipated Candlemas with particular excitement, as it was one of the four holidays a year when women could visit a pub, sing, dance, and even have a drink or two. On this day, men were supposed to take care of household tasks and mind children.
Events
29.09.25 - 22.04.26
Events
Winter season at the Open Air Museum
The wintertime Open Air Museum enchants with its tranquil rhythm of life and homely warmth. While strolling through the historic village in the coastal forest, you may step indoors to escape the chill, and chat leisurely with the hostess about the way of life in the olden days.
11.11.25 - 29.09.26
Exhibitions
Traditional Seto patterns by Anna Kõivo
At the age of 88, Kõivo Anne created the current exhibition
of hammõkirät – the sleeve patterns of Seto women’s shirts. The shirt is
one of the most striking garments in a Seto woman’s attire.
27.11.25 - 11.01.26
Events
The Estonian Open Air Museum invites you to enjoy the festive season
The
Estonian Open Air Museum invites you to enjoy the festive season – to stroll
through a historical landscape, breathe in the invigorating forest and sea air,
sample Christmas dishes at the Kolu Inn, step into cozy farmhouses, hold
Christmas events, shop for gifts at the Lau village store, take a ride in a
horse-drawn carriage, and have a wonderful time together with your loved ones.
15.02.26 - 15.02.26
Events
Shrove Tuesday and Maslenitsa
In 2026 Shrove Tuesday falls on the same period in the Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox calendar, so we can celebrate two festivals at once, and they were considered to have a connection to women in both traditions.