Celebration of the Heavenly Grounds

In addition to the earthly and to what the eye can catch, there has always existed this belief into something higher and eternal. Traditions and beliefs have carried the cultural history of every nation and shaped us and our heritage. The ‘Celebration of the Heavenly Grounds’ project brings the songs, dances and rituals of different continents under the same sky. Exciting foreign performers and brilliant local cultural practitioners will join their creative and spiritual powers.

At the heart of the events series will be the Heavenly Grounds, which will open in 2024 on the roof of the Põlva Cultural Centre, offering fairytale views of the city and its surroundings.

On 16-25 August, the new Heavenly Grounds will be dedicated with 8 different events taking place at Põlva Cultural Centre and St. Mary’s Church, Intsikurmu Forest Park and in Setomaa’s orthodox chapels.

• Dedication nr 1: Estonian National Male Choir, conductor Mikk Üleoja and Karl Nieler (singing bowls, Germany)
• Dedication nr 2: Georgia Archimandrite Serafim & The Monastery of 13 Holy Assyrian Fathers Choir
• Dedication nr 3: Finlay MacDONALD (Scotland) / RO:TORO
• Dedication nr 4: “Whisper of the Stars” Karl Nieler (singing bowls, Germany)
• Dedication nr 5: Japanese taiko
• Dedication nr 6: Folklore dance performance “TO BEING”, directed by Aveli Asber, music by Triinu Taul
• Dedication nr 7: SETOS / INUITS
• Dedication nr 8: SUFI WHIRLING DERVISHES

To keep a fresh mind, one can go on soul cleansing trips to the sacred chapels – tsässons – or participate in tea evenings in the Värska Reegi summer residence with Ahto Raudoja, a guide and the director of the Seto Institute. In the staircase gallery of the cultural centre, one can admire Tammo Sumera’s electronic sound installation, and the folkloric dance performance “To Being” will be performed in Intsikurmu Forest Park (22 and 23 August). The events will feature 130 performers from Estonia, Scotland, Georgia, Turkey and Japan.

The events are designed for the visitors, seeking spiritual experiences and knowledge, fascinated by world religions and traditions. Events showcasing the culture and history of South Estonia and other countries will appeal to both local and foreign visitors. What makes the events special are the unique venues, in particular the Heavenly Grounds high above Põlva, with its green park, summer pavilion and a cafe.

Cooperation and performances of different peoples lead to a better mutual understanding. The “Celebration of the Heavenly Grounds” brings together local and world culture, expanding the minds of both local and foreign visitors. Põlva is establishing itself as a city with a rich and distinctive cultural life.