St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, known as **"Püha Stefanuse päev"** in Estonian, is celebrated on **December 26** and is part of the Christmas holiday season in Estonia. It is a public holiday that follows Christmas Day and is dedicated to **Saint Stephen**, the first Christian martyr. In Estonia, St. Stephen's Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family and friends after the festivities of Christmas. It is also a day to enjoy the winter season, with many people engaging in outdoor activities such as sledding, ice skating, or taking peaceful walks in the snow-covered landscapes. Traditional Estonian Christmas foods, like blood sausage, sauerkraut, and gingerbread, often continue to be enjoyed during this time. Historically, St. Stephen's Day has roots in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions. In some regions, it was associated with rituals to ensure good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Today, it remains a cherished part of Estonia's cultural and religious heritage, marking a continuation of the festive spirit and a moment to reflect on the year's end.