Today, November 8, the Tallinn City Government was visited by mardisandid—traditional folk characters who go door to door to spread wishes of good fortune.

Since 2018, the Estonian Folk Culture Council has played a key role in preserving the custom of santimine, Estonia’s centuries-old practice of costumed door-to-door visiting during the Mardipäev and Kadripäev. This year, as in previous years, the mardisandid made their rounds, with a special visit to the Tallinn City Government. An eight-member mardi family arrived, including the mardifather, mardimother, three sons, an apprentice, a daughter, and even a bear.

The mardi family chatted with City Government members about warm air, hefty logs, possible budget cuts—suggesting trimming back on "chair legs" and ceiling lights—as well as the new bike and mart-running paths in the city. They posed riddles, joined together for a circle of good energy, and shared a dance. In return, the City Government members presented the mardis family with a basket of local garden and farm produce.

“We wish City Hall abundant ideas, growth, and vitality. We hope to see more mart-running routes, bountiful gift baskets, and open hearts to welcome prosperity,” the mardi family declared.

Each year, the Estonian Folk Culture Council organizes a Mart and Kadri Day count to gauge the popularity and regions where going door to door is still practiced and to see the number of adult and child participants. To further promote the tradition, the Council has created a dedicated website at hakkamesantima.ee.

Click here for the photo gallery.