v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Seto leelo (polyphonic singing) — The spine of the festival: close-quartered, call-and-response singing led mostly by women, with haunting harmonies that feel both ancient and immediate. It’s been recognised by UNESCO, and hearing leelo in a wooden village hall or around a fire is a genuinely shivery, unforgettable moment.
- The ceremonial “kingdom” enthronement — A theatrical, community-led ritual where the Seto’s symbolic monarch is blessed, paraded, or otherwise honoured. It’s playful and proud at once, a living local tradition that encapsulates Seto identity and gives the festival a quirky, pageant-like centrepiece.
- Traditional costumes and crafts — Bright embroidered garments, silver jewellery and handwoven textiles are everywhere. Craftspeople often demonstrate their techniques and
- Seto leelo (polyphonic singing) — The spine of the festival: close-quartered, call-and-response singing led mostly by women, with haunting harmonies that feel both ancient and immediate. It’s been recognised by UNESCO, and hearing leelo in a wooden village hall or around a fire is a genuinely shivery, unforgettable moment.
- The ceremonial “kingdom” enthronement — A theatrical, community-led ritual where the Seto’s symbolic monarch is blessed, paraded, or otherwise honoured. It’s playful and proud at once, a living local tradition that encapsulates Seto identity and gives the festival a quirky, pageant-like centrepiece.
- Traditional costumes and crafts — Bright embroidered garments, silver jewellery and handwoven textiles are everywhere. Craftspeople often demonstrate their techniques and sell directly, so you can watch a pattern being stitched and walk away with something real and local rather than a generic souvenir.
- Local food and communal feasts — Expect hearty, homey dishes: bread, smoked fish, pies and other village specialties served at long shared tables. Food here is as much about hospitality as flavour—sit with locals, swap stories, and you’ll get the best introductions to Seto life.
- Processions, dances and the village atmosphere — Processions that mix Orthodox ritual and folk custom, open-air dances, bonfires and night-long singing give the festival a relaxed, neighbourly vibe. It’s small-scale, human, and easy to wander into spontaneous performances or friendly conversations.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Tallinn Medieval Photo
✓ Free cancellation
Estonian cuisine Cooking Class
✓ Free cancellation
Go West – Private 1 Day Trip to West Coast
✓ Free cancellation
Tales of Reval - The Immersive Old Town Tour
Tallinn Private Photoshoot Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Tallinn Old Town Private Walking Tour with Native Estonian Guide
✓ Free cancellation
Old Tallinn Highlights & its Medieval Past
✓ Free cancellation
Tallinn Top Attractions and Viimsi Open Air Museum
✓ Free cancellation
Lahemaa national park in Estonia
✓ Free cancellation
Guided Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.