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Starting on 24 June, midsummer’s day, Estonia will mark the beginning of White Nights, when summer daylight extends into the nights – a season in the country not to be missed.
Also known as Jaanipäev, the season is for those who want to get the most out of their experiences in the country. Aside from Christmas, these are the most important days in the Estonian calendar. Having barely any darkness in the night holds special significance for locals and tourists alike.
Visitors to Estonia can come and experience a host of activities during White Nights, from partying on the beach in Pärnu to hiking in Saaremaa island and from dancing in the middle of the Leigo Lake to attending The Night of Ancient Bonfires on the Baltic coast.
As a result of the sun barely setting, the White Nights are celebrated with an eclectic mix of events and festivals taking place all over the country. Check out some of the biggest events in the calendar:
3-4 August: Leigo Lake Music Festival
First on the list is the Leigo Music Festival which combines music and nature against the Leigo Lake backdrop. Imagine a stage set on an islet decorated by willows with dazzling lights and fireworks. While immersed in nature, festival-goers can enjoy jazz, folk, and rock. In addition, on the final night, guests get to witness with a water-based pyrotechnical show. Passes start from £35.
16-18 August: Weekend Festival Baltic
The Weekend Festival Baltic, the largest dance music festival in northern Europe, caters to fans of electronic dance music (EDM). Headlined by the best DJs in the land, the festival takes place on Pärnu beach featuring two outdoor stages with sea views and one indoor stage. The dance party welcomes over 30,000 people annually and features elaborate stage productions for three days. Passes start from £69.
18-25 August: Estonia 100 Great Summer Week
Furthermore, this year, Estonia celebrates its 100th anniversary as a unified country. The Republic of Estonia is celebrating the momentous occasion with The Estonia 100 Great Summer Week, a series of events that includes food festivals, music concerts, poetry readings, and hikes in the wilderness.
The event culminates with a memorable bonfire celebration known as The Night of Ancient Bonfires. Following a longstanding tradition, the last Saturday in August sees a chain of hundreds of bonfires lit along the shores of the Baltic coast in order to celebrate the summer season and the independence anniversary.
