Nordic Midsummer Party 2016

The Nordic embassies and Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia have the pleasure of inviting their friends to the Nordic Midsummer Party and a joint celebration of the Nordic National Days: Norwegian on 17 May, Danish on 5 June, Swedish on 6 June, Icelandic on 17 June, and Finnish on 6 December.

We will celebrate from 17:00-20:00 on 13 June 2016 at the Estonian Open Air Museum. The gates will open at 16:30.

This is an invitation-only event and registration is open until 8 June 2016. Please note that the organisers kindly ask you to present your printed invitation at the gate.

Dress code: smart casual – dress for the weather and the seaside meadow setting

If you have any questions about the event, please contact one of the organisers.

cultural Programme

Although the Nordic countries share similar culture, history and even certain traditions, which often makes it easier for them to work together, each country has its own specific characteristics that make it unique. This is also the case at midsummer. According to Icelandic folklore, seals become human, cows speak in human tongue and elves come out of their hiding places on this magical night. The dew is believed to have special healing powers on Midsummer Night and therefore it is considered healthy to roll around naked in the grass in the midnight sun, as stated on the University of Iceland Science Web.

Our Nordic Midsummer Party will include the best of Nordic traditions: maypole, music, singing and dancing; games; food and beverages. The Danes will also be burning a witch!

Fiddler Johanna-Adele Jüssi will be strolling through the grounds playing traditional Norwegian folk tunes, accompanied by folk dancer Silver Sepp, who will be showcasing traditional Norwegian dance moves, including the famous Halling dance. One of the moves is called the hallingkast, in which a girl traditionally holds a hat up using a stick or something similar and the dancer is supposed to kick the hat off. There is also the kast, which is seen as a test of strength – for it involves kicking a hat that is held 230-280 cm above the ground.

The folk dance group Leesikad from the Tallinn French School will perform traditional Estonian-Swedish dances. They will be joined by Leanne Barbro, who plays a special Pakri bagpipe, and an accordionist. Leesikad will also teach the guests an old folkdance from Pakri.

Music by Lembit Saarsalu (saxophone), Ain Agan (guitar) & Tarmo Noormaa and Lauri Õunapuu (accordion).

Food and beverages

Nordic cuisine has placed the region, its culture, its nature and its lifestyle on the world map. Modern Nordic food is produced with care and with a focus on local ingredients, flavour and diversity, forgotten varieties and breeds, old methods and new ideas in the kitchen. All of this forms a vision which resonates from exclusive gourmet restaurants, school canteens and family kitchens alike.

At our joint Nordic Midsummer Party you will enjoy modern Nordic cuisine with an Estonian touch. You can taste both traditional specialities and exciting dishes made just for the event.

One example is Norwegian waffles, which are large, soft and fluffy (and fit perfectly folded in your hand). The toppings are simple but delicious: slices of Norwegian brown cheese (brunost) and a spread of sour cream and jam. You can also try Karelian pastries from Finland or skyr from Iceland. Swedes add a touch of elegance to the party by serving Toast Skagen, a combination of prawns and other ingredients on a small piece of sautéed bread. You can also enjoy Västerbottensost with Mörsjö Deli thin bread, which has been baked in Jämtland, Sweden for everyday and special occasion for thousands of years. It’s special bread made by barley, that contains low levels of gluten and ferment.

Beer and cider will be provided by Saku.

Venue and transport

The Nordic Midsummer Party will take place at the Estonian Open Air Museum – and more precisely at the Swing Grounds overlooking the water, a 10-minute walk from the gates along a dirt track.

Please note that if you come by car, use the second gate on Vabaõhumuuseumi tee, a few hundred metres past the main gate. Parking is within the museum grounds. If you come by public transport or taxi, use the main gate.