Move over Stonehenge – the best place to celebrate the arrival of the summer solstice is in the country that affords it two full days of national holidays.

Estonians take the summer solstice (or Jaanipaev locally) seriously: two days of national partying serious. One of the country’s most important celebrations, the solstice is welcomed in with huge bonfires, fireworks displays and large parties up and down the country.  In a traditional rite of passage, party-goers are encouraged to leap over the fires to guarantee prosperity and avoid bad luck.

The stunning islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa sees old fishing boats burnt in large pyres and the Suure-Janni Music Festival, now in its 16th year includes a final concert at 3am Midsummer morning. On top of this, June 23-24th also marks National Victory Day for Estonia. This is a day of immense celebration and pride for Estonians and presents a fantastic opportunity to embrace the arrival of the summer solstice in an alternative and enthralling way by celebrating Jaanipäev like a local. 

WHERE TO STAY?

Pärna Holiday Village is located in a beautiful natural setting, at the heart of an old manor complex in Viljandi County. The complex has won the municipality's 'Most Beautiful Home' award on a number of occasions, as well as the award for the county's 'Best Country Home' and awards issued by the Estonian president and prime minister. What makes Pärna special is its old farm style, offering the opportunity to bunk down in barns and haylofts. 

Pärna Holiday Village

BEST FLIGHT OFFER?

Direct return flights to Tallinn are available from London Gatwick from £268.26 for two people, flying out on Friday 21st June and returning on Monday 24th June. For more information, please visit www.easyjet.com

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About Estonia: 
Estonia is a country steeped in Nordic history that lies between Russia and Latvia. The country has a population of over 1.3 million and the capital, Tallinn, has over 400,000 inhabitants. There are regular flights from the UK to Tallinn, with direct flights available from EasyJet and Ryanair.

Five Facts You Might Now Know about Estonia:
1. Estonia is the birthplace of Skype
2. Around 50% of Estonia is forest
3. Estonia has over 1,500 islands
4. The capital city, Tallinn was named Culture Capital of the World in 2011
5. Tallinn Old Town is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Enterprise Estonia:
The Estonian Tourist Board (ETB) is responsible for implementing Estonian national tourism policy. As a travel industry support body, ETB is part of the Enterprise Estonia network and contributes to achieving its goals by implementing business and regional development policies. It works in close cooperation with its partners and clients to increase the competitiveness of the Estonian business environment.

For more information about Estonia or Enterprise Estonia please visit www.visitestonia.com.

Estonian Tourist Board Press Office
Edelman
Tel: +44 203 047 4018
Nicole Taylor and Simon Waller
estonia@edelman.com