Mulgimaa takes centre stage as Estonia embraces its Finno-Ugric family
By
2245shares
Abja-Paluoja, the capital of Estonia’s historic Mulgimaa region, has become the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2021; Adam Rang, who is currently writing a book about Estonian sauna culture and its origins among Finno-Ugric peoples, attended the ceremony and reports on why it matters.
It had all the grandeur, if not the scale, of a major diplomatic gathering. There were presidents and senior politicians, rows of flags, international guests, television cameras and translators providing live commentary for audiences tuning in from around the world.
The location was the quiet south Estonian town of Abja-Paluoja where, on Saturday, 13 February, around 100 people gathered in freezing temperatures proudly wearing their folk dress to witness the town receive the title of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2021.
Between 165,000 and 200,000 Estonians are estimated to live outside the country right now, making around 15-20 percent of the total number of Estonians. With many communities being found worldwide, both in English-speaking countries and beyond, ERR News, in conjunction with the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus), has launched a weekly Global Estonian Report, which gives a weekly window into Estonian communities and culture from around the globe.
Since Christmas is around the corner, this week s edition has a definite Yuletide angle!
Upcoming Online Events
The Association of Estonian Cultural Societies (EKSÜ) continues its web series I, Estonian (Mina, Eestlane).
Since it is Christmas time, the program will feature a world-wide joint singing of traditional Estonian folk Christmas songs over the web. The virtual choir is conducted by musicians Toomas and Inga Lunge.