Seto Kingdom to be Proclaimed for a Day in Mikitamäe on August 1

On the first Saturday of August, the southeastern Estonian village of Mikitamäe will turn into the Seto Kingdom for a day, hosting thousands of visitors to celebrate Seto culture.

Launched in 1994, Seto Kingdom Day is an annual gathering of Seto people, friends and supporters from near and far, honoring the Seto language, food, culture, history and people. The 33rd Seto Kingdom will be proclaimed in Mikitamäe, located halfway between Räpina and Värska, with events centered around the Savioro open-air grounds in the heart of the village.

Village elder Piret Kase said the return of the kingdom to Mikitamäe is "both a great honor and a great responsibility" for the village, and local organizers hope attendees leave with fond memories. Chief organizer Maarja Saarine added that this is the day when one Setomaa village comes alive with the Seto language and culture.

The pinnacle of the event will be the election of a new ülembsootska, the ceremonial leader of the Seto people. On August 1, the day will begin at noon with the proclamation of the Seto Kingdom, followed by a program packed with food and drink tastings, traditional Seto dance, strongman competitions, handicraft contests, and performances by groups of traditional Seto leelo singers and musicians on two stages.

The kingdom grounds will offer food, drinks and handicrafts for visitors, with a special area for Seto and local vendors and an activity area for kids. Guests can meet delegations from neighboring regions including Võros, Mulks and Votians. The Seto Bank will issue its own currency—colorful Seto Kroons—which visitors can exchange for euros on site.

Festivities will culminate with the election of the next ülembsootska, or regent of the Seto god-king Peko, at 4 p.m. According to legend, Peko sleeps under Petseri Monastery in the historical Seto capital that now lies on the other side of the border with Russia.

In a unique display of direct democracy, candidates stand on stage while voters line up and cast their vote by holding onto a long string leading to their chosen candidate. Anyone, including those from other regions or countries, may participate—the only rule is that the voter's hand must be holding the string. Current ülembsootska Jalmar Vabarna ran against his own sister, two-time former ülembsootska Jane Vabarna, in Saatse last year, sparking one of the highest vote counts in history.

Together with the children's elected nuursootska, the regent serves as a leader and representative of Seto people across Setomaa and beyond. Also announced will be the kingdom's new chief brewer, baker, pie-maker, strongman, master musician, wordsmith and more, followed by a unique military parade. The evening will be rounded out with live music by Zetod.