Setomaa
Russia · Europe
About Setomaa
Setomaa is in Võru County in southeastern Estonia. Everything in Setomaa is the same as in Estonia, just completely different. Setomaa has always been a border area — between Western and Eastern culture and religion — and because of this it has its own kind of people who are neither this or that, just Setos.
Setomaa travel guide
Understand
This region has throughout history been under the jurisdiction of various Russian entities. Because of this, the Setos are Orthodox Christians and churches, chapels, and holy days are of special importance to them. What is distinct us that on church/chapel days, Setos go to the cemetery to feast and celebrate at the graves of the departed, a celebration that the Setos call kirmas. The Setos have their own folk song tradition, the Seto leelo, which differs significantly from Estonian runo folk songs. Seto cuisine is almost the same as Estonian cuisine, only different, be it by preparation method, combination of ingredients, or serving style.
See
1 Seto Museum of Farming, Pikk 56, Värska, ☏ +372 505 4673. June 1-August 31: Su M 10:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00; September 1-May 31: Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su M closed. A museum of the Seto people's farming culture and practices. It showcases traditional farm construction, ancient work tools, and craftwork. It also organizes Seto cultural events which present Seto folklore and traditions, such as "Lace days" (Estonian, pitsipäevad) where visitors have the opportunity to watch and help create colorful Seto lacework among other traditions. (updated Jun 2023)
Eat
The Tsäimaja cafe in the Värska Farm Museum offers Seto national dishes from handmade clay dishes and plays Seto music. On the first floor of the house, there is a classroom which is suitable for smaller groups.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.