Tallinn's Old Town Goes Medieval for Festival
On July 7, a procession of costumed characters along Viru street and a ceremony on Town Hall Square marked the launch of the 12th Medieval Days festival in the capital, a four-day celebration of the customs, traditions and craftsmanship of the city's distant past.
Organized each year by the Folk Art and Craft Union, the festival gives modern onlookers a glimpse of Hanseatic-era life and provides an opportunity for history enthusiasts to dress up in period clothing and act out various roles.
The program will continue on the festival's first day with music and dance performances, a swordsmanship demonstration and a gourmet carnival featuring medieval cuisine.
The long list of events on July 8 includes a longbow archery tournament on Harjumägi and choir performances, while July 9 will see a medieval football tournament as well as a procession to Towers Square, where evening festivities will be held at the site of the Tallinn International Flower Festival.
Steve Roman