Harvest time celebration

TALLINN - St. Martin’s Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 throughout Europe. Named after St. Martin, the 4th century Roman Catholic Bishop of Tours, France, this holiday spread from France to Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
It celebrates the end of the growing season and the beginning of harvesting. It also marks the last day to celebrate before the fasting of Advent begins. According to the old tradition, children and adults walk down the streets with lanterns and torches, and sing St. Martin songs. Children visit neighborhood houses singing and reciting poems, which earns them sweet treats, not unlike Western Halloween.

For centuries Mardipaev (Martinmas) has been one of the most important and cherished days on the Estonian folk calendar. It remains popular today, especially among young people and the rural population. Estonians celebrate this day as the end of the agrarian year and the beginning of the winter season.

St. Martin’s Day Fair always takes place during the weekend closest to St. Martin’s Day (Nov. 10) from Thursday to Sunday. The event culminates with a special Friday evening program - the Handicraft Night. St. Martin’s Day Fair marks a national folk tradition and dates back to 1997. It started out as an exhibition of handicrafts and since has become a major event in folk culture and one of the most important undertakings of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union.

Everyone at the fair revives old St. Martin’s Day traditions, and put on workshops where you are sure to learn a thing or two and get some good advice. There are also workshops for children.

Whilst walking through the open-air markets, one can find a large variety of traditional and classical souvenirs.
Estonian local craft is rich with objects made from wood (toys, dolls) or of leather. The most uniquely Estonian souvenirs you can bring home after you have visited Estonia are examples of traditional Estonian handicrafts – beautiful, usually functional items created by hand, following centuries-old methods.

At St. Martin’s Day, skilled artisans will also be selling traditional and original wares including felt hats, slippers, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls, wickerwork, hand-sewn quilts, knitted hats and scarves, cardigan sweaters, ceramics, glassware, homemade candles, traditional Estonian wreaths and folk clothing which is very popular among Estonians nowadays as Estonians try to preserve their nation with its old traditions.

Besides Estonia’s best handicraft items, which are presented and sold at the fair, specialist workshops for handicraft lovers and crafts activities for children will also be organized. Demonstrations of handicraft products and presentations of new books will take place at the fair as well. Visitors will have a good opportunity to taste Estonian traditional food and listen to various folk music groups.

This year the organizers of the festival hope to make it even bigger and better. St. Martin’s Day Fair will take place in Tallinn from Nov. 11- 13.