Would you like to go to Estonia for your internship abroad? First of all, you want to learn about the country’s habits and customs to avoid making any mistakes: welcome to the International Horizons blog dedicated to local customs in Estonia! Here, we’ll tell you all about the country’s traditions and lifestyles, so that you can adapt quickly, without offending anyone, and enjoy yourself to the full. We’ll skip over culinary traditions: we’ve already written a blog about Estonia’s culinary specialities! The whole team is off to Estonia for 10 days to perfect our knowledge of the country, and to find you the best internships abroad, or host families for those who want to integrate as much as possible! Mimi, Sebass la Menace, Gohu, Jan, Esteban, Tommy le petit coeur and Emilio: the whole Nantes office is off to Tallinn, Narva – on the Russian border -, Parnu and Tartu. Local customs in Estonia reflect the deep-rooted history and culture of this charming Eastern European country. Enjoy these few lines!
A tradition shared with Finland
The sauna, an age-old Estonian tradition, occupies a central place in the daily lives of Estonians. It’s much more than a simple relaxation activity. It’s a social and family ritual where people come together to relax, chat and recharge their batteries. Whether in a public or private sauna, the invigorating sauna experience is an essential part of Estonian culture. And there are many, many private saunas! Many apartment buildings have saunas in common areas, so that everyone in the condominium can enjoy them. It’s one of Estonia’s strongest cultural elements. Of course, you don’t have to be naked – you can keep your bathing suit on! Make sure you leave the sauna clean once you’ve used it – these are shared spaces, and it would be very rude not to respect the place. More generally, anyway: leave everything clean behind you ?
Estonian craftsmanship
Estonian craftsmanship is a precious heritage handed down from generation to generation. The traditional skills of Estonian craftsmen are admired the world over. From pottery and weaving to basketry and woodcarving, each piece of handicraft is imbued with the soul of the Estonian people. Discovering these craft treasures is a journey back in time and an immersion in Estonian creativity and know-how. And in Tallinn, unlike many European capitals, you can easily find local crafts in souvenir stores, at affordable prices. This way, you don’t have to worry about bringing home those immortal magnets for your parents. You might as well bring back something typical, local and original!
Estonia is very musical
Music also plays an important role in Estonian culture. Traditional song and dance are key elements of Estonian festivals and celebrations. Choral singing is particularly revered, and Estonia is known for its tradition of choral singing, which has played a crucial role in expressing national identity during periods of oppression: the singing revolution is an excellent example, when Estonians staged a peaceful revolt against the USSR – a short article about which speaks far better than we can! Singing festivals, such as the Estonian Song Festival, bring together thousands of singers and spectators from all over the world.
Nature in Estonia
Estonia is also renowned for its close ties with nature. With almost half of its territory covered by forests, it’s not surprising that Estonians attach great importance to preserving the environment. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and wildlife watching are an integral part of Estonian life. Nature is a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for Estonians, and they do their utmost to preserve this natural wealth. In fact, as in Scandinavia, Estonia has a right to nature: access is entirely free, and wilderness camping is permitted everywhere. On the other hand, Estonians are very respectful, so it’s imperative that you pick up all your garbage and put it back in its place. It’s a bit like in Brittany, when you go fishing on foot: you have to put back the pebbles you’ve lifted, to put nature back the way you found it.
Superstitions and beliefs
Superstitions and folk beliefs are also an integral part of Estonian culture. Estonians have a fascination for the mystical world and have preserved many superstitions and beliefs handed down from generation to generation. Whether it’s respect for nature spirits, rituals linked to the seasons or superstitions linked to numbers, these beliefs add a touch of magic and mystery to everyday life. These beliefs have been so well preserved that the country has remained firmly attached to its secular heritage, with very little religious influence; for all that, Estonians are very tolerant and respectful of other people’s beliefs.
Gender equality: very important
Equality occupies an important place in Estonian society. Estonia is proud to be a country where women hold important positions in all areas, and where gender parity is a reality in many sectors. Education is also an essential pillar of equality in Estonia, with an inclusive, high-quality education system that fosters the development of every individual.
Jaanipäev
Jaanipäev is an Estonian festival celebrated on the night of June 23-24 to mark the arrival of summer and the summer solstice. The festivities include bonfires all over the country and last all night. The official day of Jaanipäev is June 24, which is also a public holiday in Estonia. This day commemorates Estonia’s victory over the Landeswehr in the War of Independence in 1919. Estonians consider Jaanipäev to be one of their most important holidays, alongside Christmas. The tradition of Jaanipäev has its roots in the religious celebration of John the Baptist’s birthday, but is also associated with the fall of a meteorite on the island of Saaremaa some 4,000 years ago. The bonfires lit during this festival recall sunlight and ancient pagan rituals.
Estonians celebrate Jaanipäev with bonfires, barbecues, dancing and singing. It’s a family festival, and many Estonians head to the countryside to enjoy nature and spend time with their loved ones. The festivities continue into the early hours, with Estonians strolling through the forest in search of lampreys, small luminous insects.
Estonian expatriates also celebrate Jaanipäev, usually by organizing picnics and getting together with compatriots. Traditionally, village festivities included bonfires, dancing, singing and swings where young people could meet. Jaanipäev is a festival rooted in Estonian culture, marking the arrival of summer with bonfires, barbecues and moments of conviviality with family and friends in the countryside. Estonians appreciate the long summer days and abundant daylight after the short winter days.
As you explore local customs in Estonia, you’ll discover a world rich in tradition, values and cultural diversity. Whether through saunas, handicrafts, music, traditional festivals, connection with nature, superstitions or equality, every aspect of Estonian culture offers a unique and enriching experience. By immersing yourself in these customs, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of Estonia and its people.
So, dear students, let yourself be carried away by the charm of Estonia and discover the fascinating customs that make this country a cultural gem not to be missed when you go abroad! In fact, if you want to find out a bit more about Estonia and Tallinn before you go, you can check out our other blogs, such as the main places to visit in Tallinn, or the most fun cities in Estonia! And if you’re convinced that you want to do your work placement in Estonia, all you have to do is contact a member of the International Horizons team: we’ll find you a tailor-made work placement abroad that matches your expectations, your level of English and the educational expectations of your school! For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.