The Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2021 Abja-Paluoja

Korraldajad: Soome-ugri kultuuripealinn 2021, Mulgi Kultuuri Instituut ja Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture

Abja-Paluoja is the capital of Estonia’s historic Mulgimaa region whose residents, known as Mulks, have their own distinctive Mulgi dialect and culture. The first Estonian-owned farms were developed here from the early 19th century and, as a result, it was once one of the wealthiest parts of Estonia. The Mulk men are iconically depicted wearing long black robes.

During the ceremony, a symbolic wooden bird, known as the Tsirk, was handed over to the town. It was then paraded through the streets and placed in the window of a local bookshop. Each of its feathers represent a Finno-Ugric nation and its wings are spread as if bout to take flight in order to represent the hope for their future.