Mardipäev 2026: preparing for 9–10 November

Mardipäev falls on 10 November, with traditional visiting on the preceding evening, 9 November. The Estonian Literary Museum’s folk calendar is a useful starting point for the history. A present-day family route works best when agreed with neighbours beforehand.

Learn the story before making costumes

Mardisandid bring songs, riddles and good wishes rather than simply requesting sweets. Historical practices varied by locality. Choose one understandable greeting or song instead of trying to reproduce every ritual described in a historical account.

Prepare a short performance

Give children clear roles: greeting, asking a riddle and thanking the household. Practise how to begin and end so that an opening door does not leave everyone unsure. Explain that some people will not answer and that nobody owes the group sweets or money.

Test costumes for walking

Reuse old clothing that permits easy movement. Long hems should not catch underfoot and masks must leave a clear view. Try everything with outdoor coats and shoes. Keep reflectors visible and plan a short circuit of familiar homes with adult support appropriate to the children.

• Agree visits in advance.
• Practise a brief song and thanks.
• Check visibility and freedom of movement.
• Ask about treat ingredients when needed.

Receiving visitors at home

Listen to the song, answer the riddle and thank the visitors. Give pets a quiet separate space if repeated door opening disturbs them. Keep packaging for any sweets so ingredient questions can be answered. School and nursery celebrations require their own confirmation: the calendar date does not establish an institution’s event time. Several well-prepared visits can be enough without turning the evening into an exhausting route.

Related reading

Things to do with children: three easy weekend plans

Sources and verification

Information checked on 30 October 2026. Recheck the source before buying or visiting.

• www.folklore.ee