The End of the Maaselitsa was celebrated today across Setomaa, marking the end of the butter week which is a significant part of the Seto culture. Festivities included traditional activities such as sliding, horse-drawn rides, and enjoying local delicacies like pliine, alongside modern games like kannukurling, a modified version of curling invented by Seto women. These celebrations also signified the beginning of the seven-week fasting period, a time of spiritual significance for the community.

The event drew attendees to Obinitsa Lake, where they could participate in kannukurling, a game that has joyfully captured the interest of the Seto people. Aira Tarros, one of the organizers, explained that since curling had gained importance at the Olympics, they decided to create their own version using local materials, specifically teapots. This innovative twist is engaging younger generations and fostering a sense of community spirit during the traditional celebrations.

Participants expressed their enjoyment of the day’s events, highlighting the combination of nostalgic traditions like sliding and horse riding with the excitement of new activities like kannukurling and bag races. The Maaselitsa festivals remain a vibrant expression of the Seto cultural identity, mixing old customs with youthful creativity and collaboration, ensuring that this rich heritage continues to flourish in the face of modernity.