Welcome to Tallinn

Welcome to Tallinn. It should be mentioned that from a climatic point of view there are, of course, more beautiful times of the year, but on the other hand - in the summer there is no white, fluffy snow and the year's most beautiful holiday, Christmas. Thus, let's be happy that we have four seasons here, of which one is a bit darker and colder.

By the way, did you know that "jõul", the Estonian word for Christmas, is more than a thousand years old and is probably a loan from the ancient Scandinavian language? On the other hand, there are also those who think that this may be the Estonians' own ancient word.  In any case, "jõul" reaches back to a time before Christ was known in Estonia, and it was used denote the  winter solstice, when one season was ending and another starting. Although light is at a premium at this time, there is excitement in the air, since the Earth is again starting to turn itself toward light and warmth. Moreover, this was an important time a thousand years ago, for which proper preparations were made and celebrations held.

Thus, in the Christmas rush don't forget the age-old idea that everything that you do or leave undone during Christmastime will affect your luck in the New Year.

But back to Tallinn.

Several wonderful events take place in November and December to banish the darkness. In November there is a fine Estonian folk culture event, the St. Martin's Day Fair, while the popular Black Nights Film Festival kicks off at the same time, where you can see all the European films produced last year and more. In November, there are also two very hot festivals - the Tallinn Salsa Festival (read more at www.tsf.ee) and the Brazilian Culture Festival.  If you wish to have a powerful concert experience, go to hear Tobias's oratorio Jonah's Mission. Generally a lot of music will resound - for instance, at Christmas Jazz. See the Events calendar.

In December, be sure to make a visit to the Christmas Market and Gingerbread Mania. If you want to attend an exhibition, head off to the Jaan Toomik exhibition at the ArtDepoo, to the Ando Keskküla exhibition at the Kunsthalle, and of course, to Kumu.

In addition, Tallinn's cozy eateries, wine cellars, city tours, shops and much more await you.

Good exploring with the help of Tallinn This Week.

Wishing you light in your heart, a merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Liina Teder editor