Back in touch with the Medieval times.

Together with the intellectual and cultural life there has also been lively trading throughout the centuries of which Tartu's Hanseatic history speaks. Thus for several years the Hanseatic Days have given color to the summer cultural life in Tartu. This year has been no exception, as Tartu returned to its Medieval past on July 17-19.

Among those who seven hundred years ago started the Hanseatic League, those who traded goods and different cultures, were our ancestors. The grain grown on the fields here, and the handicrafts made by various masters have long traveled thousands of miles, and in exchange people have received goods and cultures from other countries. The River Emajogi has been measured by hundreds of fully loaded barges, the roads had the dust turned up and down by thousands of hooves and wheels. Tartu has heard discussions and lectures, war cries, secret whispers and songs in very different languages and dialects.

All this is around us today--see and hear this passage of time when you look at the tower of Jaani Church, hear the bells of the Town Hall, go to the song festival or visit Hanseatic Days Festival.

Regardless of economic boom and bust, people need the cultural entertainment that the Tartu Hanseatic Days have offered for years in the most diverse and best form. Both the people of Tartu and the tens of thousands of visitors who came to Tartu, from near and far, enjoyed the Medieval party. See you in Medieval times next year!