Shashlik, midnight swimming and St. John's Day festivities: Estonians share their Midsummer plans

St. John's Day (Jaanipäev) is one of the most important celebrations for Estonians, and everyone has their own vision of the ideal Midsummer evening. A street survey of Pärnu County residents revealed that no one will give up bonfires and midnight swimming, even in rainy weather. Family tradition, the company of friends and simple togetherness are more important than any spectacle.

St. John's Day is the heart of summer for Estonians, a time when bonfire flames flicker before the eyes and every family gathers at their favourite spot. This year, people in Pärnu County were asked how they celebrate St. John's Day, whether rainy weather spoils the festivities, and what the ideal Midsummer evening looks like.

The answers were colourful and sometimes surprising. For many, the heart of St. John's Day is simply sitting by a bonfire with family or friends, in the midst of nature, far from the city. Some swear by a marinated shashlik recipe passed down from their father, while others cannot imagine the evening without midnight swimming and alternating trips to the sauna.

Tradition versus weather

The weather does cause some concern, but most respondents found that rain cannot spoil St. John's Day. They noted that the bonfire burns even when the sky is cloudy, and wet grass doesn't keep anyone from being outdoors. Rather, people joked about past emergencies and bonfires that had to be moved to the fireplace when a downpour happened outside.

More active celebrants are planning midnight swimming, archery and St. John's Day plant hunting alongside the bonfire evening-those small rituals that make Midsummer night special. Some families also bring mölkky sets or other recreational sports equipment.

Work and leisure go hand in hand

Not everyone has the luxury of a complete break: some respondents noted they work long shifts during the St. John's Day period. Nevertheless, even in these cases, time was found for a quick bonfire visit or attending the local community St. John's Day celebration.

The recipe for an ideal Midsummer evening appears to be simple: good company, a bonfire, a sauna and some traditional food. Large celebrations with bands and fireworks appeal to some, but most preferred a quieter, more intimate gathering. For Estonians, St. John's Day is above all a local and personal celebration, whose value lies in the time spent together, not in spectacle.