Walpurgis Night (Volbriöö) and Spring Day (Kevadpüha)
Walpurgis Night (Volbriöö) and Spring Day (Kevadpüha) in Estonia — what is it and what is there to do?
I love Spring. Not only do we get several working days off, but the start of the new season brings new festivities that we can celebrate. Yes there is Easter, a significant day in the calendar for Christians around the world, and the chance to eat glutinous amounts of chocolate. But also 1st May.
Sadly this year it falls on a Sunday (bummer, no work day off!) Anyway enough about my work shy attitude. What does this day represent?
During my coffee break I decided to read up about this day — known as Labour Day or Spring Day, or even May Day stumbled upon some interesting information about the night from 30th of April to 1st of May. Traditionally a cultural paganic event that stood for the gathering of witches — Walpurgis Night (in estonian: Volbriöö). These days it seems to be a “party-hard” night. Got your attention? It certainly got mine, because now I can make my weekend a bit more intriguing and mysterious!
What is this Walpurgis Night?
Originally this English translation came from German (Walpurgisnacht) and Dutch (heksennacht; literally “Witches’ Night”) words. In Germanic folklore this night is believed to be the gathering and meeting of witches on the very top of Brocken which is the highest peak of the Harz Mountains in central Germany. It is also believed that these witches, or in other words Walpurgias lived around the years of 710–779 and used to fly to the tophill using their brooms or riding on goats. Why goats? According to some sources goats represent fertility, vitality, unending energy and generative abundant power. Phew! That makes more sense now. But then I came across the Witches’ Sabbath, which is the meeting of those who practice witchcraft or other rites. It seems there is no defintive information on how often these meetings took place, but Walpurgis Night is believed to be one of the most common among other ones such as Halloween, Easter and even Christmas.
So how do Estonians celebrate this night? I have heard that bonfires are still being lit. Not as popular as during Midsummer’s day, but still some people prefer doing that around their houses / villages rather than going to a larger town. Traditionally bonfires were part of a protective ritual against witches. Also, people used to celebrate this night with bells, shouting and in general be as loud as possible in order to mark the final victory of the spring.
It appears from our Finnish neighbours that this is one of the most special days of the year, possibly even bigger celebration than New Year’s Eve. During the evening of 30th April everybody is partying hard and on the 1st May, which is called Vappu, most places are closed, people are relaxing, walking around the town and having picnics if the weather is good.
In Estonia, 1st May is not only Labour day but also a celebration of the arrival of Spring and it is common to clean the the houses, do some gardening, rake leaves and burn twigs and debris.
Walpurgis night (Volbriöö) in Tallinn
So what can you do in Tallinn during this mysterious night? — For those who love classical music — there is Tallinn University Symphony Orchestra’s Big Walpurgis Night Concert. If you are Carl Orff’s lover — then you should definitely visit it and enjoy his masterpiece cantata “Carmina Burana” performed by University’s Orchestra. This concert will take place in Kultuurikatel Black Box (Põhja pst 27a, Tallinn), Põhja-Tallinn area. You can check information about even here.
Those who prefer to move themselves instead of just sitting/standing and enjoying the concert — The Swing Dance and Music Festival Tallinn Swing Weekend 2016 might be better option. It starts on 29th April and ends on the 1st May. This is the fourth such festival, filled with swing dancing, music and workshops. Personally I have never been as I am terrible dancer, but those who are are, I am sure will be lots of fun. You can even join the Flash Mob in the Old Town on 30th of April, 13.15–13.45. More information and schedule is on their homepage.
Walpurgis night (Volbriöö) in Haapsalu
For the movie lovers this weekend should be extremely special, because the biggest genre film festival in Baltics, Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival starts (HÕFF).
This 3-day Independant festival presents the best original thrillers, fantasy and horror films of the past years also exploring the forgotten side of classical cinema as well as extreme pieces. This section is literally called “For Freaks” and this year (2016) they are screening movies including “The Black Fables” (Brazil), “In the search of the Ultra-Sex” (France), “Cat Sick Blues” (Australia) and many more. Furthermore they are also screening the latest Estonian Animation: The Fata Morgana Of Fantasy, a surrealistic piece consisting of fantasy and fiction, absurd and optical illusions, magical and distorted reality, the mysterious and unknown — perfect choice before the start of Walpurgis night!
Walpurgis night (Volbriöö) in Tartu
Today in Estonia Volbriöö is a celebration for student organizations, and takes place in Tartu. It is one of the most awaited nights of the year and very important for academic culture, because students from all over Estonia and even abroad gather in Tartu. It is also known as Student Festival “Tartu Spring Days”. The celebration starts with a procession during which the Mayor of Tartu and the University Rector giving a speech for the public. Then student organisations have their own private events such as performances, student joining rites and/or beer tables. At midnight all participating organisations open their doors for each other where students can meet other members. Traditionally that this night can end with a boat ride, pancake morning, joint singing near dormitories or even with visits to elderly alumni and garden parties.
So why not head to Tartu?
Would be interesting to hear some feedback from those who have participated in any of those events. Let me know if you have and enjoy the beautiful (yet mysterious) celebration!
