Tartu Hanseatic Days

Tartu Hanseatic Days

Late June-July

Tartu, Estonia, is an ancient city first mentioned in written works in the year 1030. Situated on the Baltic Sea, it was one of the influential cities belonging to the Hanseatic League, a powerful group of allied cities during the Middle Ages that controlled trade on the Baltic, and to some extent the North Sea as well. At the time, Tartu was an important meeting place for tradesmen from Germany, Sweden, Russia, and other lands. In 1986, the Hanseatic Days celebration was established to preserve this aspect of Tartu's heritage. It has since become one of the most important cultural events in all of Estonia.
During Hanseatic Days, those attending the festivities have ample opportunity to learn about life in medieval times. Festival staff members dress in period costume and carry out a variety of authentic activities. Agricultural practices and skilled trades are demonstrated. There are processions, cultural programs, knights tournaments, concerts, and exhibitions of folk art and handcrafts. Entertainment is also provided by wandering jesters, dance and musical companies, circus performers, and street theater groups. Performances by symphonies and choirs are also common at this time. Special events are organized for children, and there is a rowing race held on the Emajogi River, which runs through Tartu.
In addition to celebrating the past, Hanseatic Days is a time for representatives of the Hanseatic cities to come together and look to the present and future. In seminars and conferences, attendees meet to discuss ways to create strong partnerships and use the Hanseatic alliance in the years to come.

CONTACTS:
Tartu Tourist Information Center
Raekoja plats 14
Tartu, Estonia
www.visittartu.com