Night Folk Dance Festival

One mysterious midsummer night in Kubja strobes will flash and brooches will sparkle in the night’s darkness. Ancient symbols and patterns collide on the dance stage while Võru County’s author Juhan Jaik’s phantoms, elves and other fantastical creatures creep around the ancient woods of Kubja. The name Paganlik pärimusÖÖ signifies a night (ÖÖ), where old traditions come to life.

The event Paganlik pärimusÖÖ will take place on the 24. of August on the Kubija Song Festival Grounds. Among all, it will also celebrate the 240th birthday of Võru. The event, which combines folklore, theatre, lights and nature, will feature actors and dancers from Saaremaa, Virumaa, Harjumaa, Võrumaa and Setomaa.

Gates will open at 18.00

19.00 Mythical ancient forest. A staged exhibition created under the pines of Kubija, where you can meet the gnomes, home walkers and other strange creatures known from the stories of Võrumaa author Juhan Jaik. The sounds of instruments and songs can be heard from among the trees. The exhibition landscape can be explored on your own by following the marked paths. It is definitely worth setting aside an hour to complete the mysterious journey. A walking concert by the choir called Hilaro will take place through the event area.

20.30-23.00 ÖÖtantsupidu “Born under a lucky sign”. ÖÖtantsupidu “Born under a lucky sign” (Õnnemärgi all sündinud) will begin on the Kubja dance stage and there will be approximately 600 dancers all over Estonia. Add to that different musicians and famous Estonian actors.

23.00–23.50 Around the main area there will be different village fetes, group dancing and also a small surprise at the end.

00.00 Midnight Culmination of ÖÖtantsupidu on the main stage.

00.10 Midnight party (SüdaÖÖpidu). A beloved Estonian artist Nedsaja Külabänd will perform on stage.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the schedule.

Night Folk Dance Festival is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-voru