Day 3 - Victory Day & Midsummer Magic in Southern Estonia

Read full blog and photos here.

Today was one of the days I had been looking forward to most, Victory Day in Estonia, where tradition, history, and summer celebration all come together. Victory Day marks the 1919 Estonian victory over German forces in the Battle of Võnnu (or Cēsis), a turning point in the War of Independence. But for many, including myself, it’s also a day of flower crowns, bonfires, and family.

The morning began with a delicious Estonian breakfast, and then Dad, Kaija, and I set off to explore a nearby park. What made this park special was its unexpected link to Estonian Designs AU. I had gifted Kaija a mug and coaster, and when she saw the traditional pattern, she remembered seeing the same design on a hut nearby. Of course, we had to check, and to my delight, it matched! We had brought the mug with us, so we confirmed it on the spot, and I couldn’t resist snapping some photos.

After packing up, we hit the road heading south, my favourite part of Estonia. The forests, friendly people, and deep traditions make me feel at home here. We stopped for lunch at a lovely service station decorated in folk art. There was a kiosk featuring Setomaa designs, and Mum instantly bought a beautiful belt, how could she not? The price was right, and the belt came from Setomaa!

Later, as we drove to Antsla, the seat warmer caused some laughs, poor Dad couldn’t figure out why he was overheating in the back seat! Once in Antsla, we caught part of the Victory Day celebrations, where the community flame is lit and carried to bonfires across the country to mark the start of Midsummer. I love this beautiful tradition.

That evening we visited our friend Argo, who lives in a 1930s house without modern comforts (yes, an actual outhouse!). He hosted a small dinner with his family, and I was touched by how warmly they welcomed us, even speaking English. I asked one of Argo’s sisters if she could help me make a flower crown, a Midsummer must! We picked wildflowers, including seven for under my pillow (to dream of future love, of course), and I learned how to make a crown the traditional way.

We ended the night at a village party, with singing, dancing, and hilarious games like log balancing and beer-holding contests, all while the sun barely set at 11pm. It was a magical, joy-filled day, and I felt so grateful to be celebrating in the heart of southern Estonia.