The land of flax, Mulgi porridge and black kaftans: Ukrainians head to Mulgimaa

The Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia has signed an agreement with the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus) to implement the project “Estonian-Ukrainian Cultural Exchange Day in South Estonia”. By agreement with the Mulgi culture centre Mulgi Elamuskeskus, the centre will act as host and partner. The project is co-financed by the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme.

Mulgimaa is a historical region south of Viljandi made up of five parishes, with its own language variety (Mulgi, spoken by over 14,000 people according to the 2021 census), its own flag and an unofficial capital, Abja-Paluoja – the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2021. In the 19th century, when the American Civil War cut Europe off from cotton, Mulgi farmers grew rich exporting flax and were the first Estonian peasants to buy their farms from the manors. They invested in land and education, and many early Estonian intellectuals – such as the writer August Kitzberg, author of the play “Libahunt” – came from the region. Mulgi men are easily recognised by their long black woollen kaftans with red trim and tall wide-brimmed hats.

In December 2024, UNESCO inscribed the cooking and eating of Mulgi puder (potato and barley porridge) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – at the same session as the Ukrainian pysanka tradition, nominated jointly by Ukraine and Estonia.

Our host, Mulgi Elamuskeskus, is a modern heritage centre on the seven-hectare former Sooglemäe farm on the border of Viljandi and Valga counties. Its restored main house tells who the Mulgi are, and a glass gallery around the old stable presents an interactive timeline from the first inhabitants to the future.

The programme includes a guided tour, a kamatrühvel workshop, an introduction to Ukrainian culture, a workshop on traditional patterns, a joint discussion, a song and dance workshop and a shared dinner. All activities are in Estonian and Ukrainian with interpretation. Participation is free of charge; pre-registration has closed.

We sincerely thank the Integration Foundation for its trust and support, and the Mulgi Elamuskeskus team for their genuine interest in implementing the project together and for their hospitality.

Co-financed by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.