Rasmus, who was elected as junior sootska this year, as well as two former junior sootskas Maria and Rain, are very proud of the community unity and distinct local character that defines the Seto people, a Finno-Ugric linguistic minority living in South Estonia. "We look after each other and care about each other and we are proud of our Seto roots," they say.
Actually you can find Seto communities that gather together and value their heritage all over Estonia. "For example, in Tallinn the Setos even have their own school. In Tartu, the Seto leelo singing group Ilolang keeps Seto cultural life going, and I also sing there," says Maria. She notes that Põlva and Võru also have their own leelo singing groups. "Wherever Setos happen to live and find each other, they always do something together," Maria says with satisfaction.
According to Rasmus, what makes the Setos different is their personality, brilliance, and pride. "We're not afraid to show who we are, and we're not afraid to lean on our roots." The junior sootska adds that it's important for these unique people to carry on their traditions and to continue to live free as a Seto nation.
Since the Setos are Orthodox Christians, they celebrate winter holidays instead of Christmas. "We celebrate Christmas twice a year, both according to Estonian traditions and also in early January, following the old calendar," says Maria. Another noteworthy Seto tradition is to dine in the graveyard on church holidays, a custom that is not very common elsewhere in Estonia. "If you come to Saatse on Saint Paraskeva's Day, you'll see how whole families assemble to share a meal with their ancestors," she adds. Maria also jokes that while an Estonian's favorite food is another Estonian, as the saying goes, a Seto's favorite food is sõir, a soft local cheese.
A crucial part of Seto culture is the kirmas, or the church holiday-associated village festivals. "The whole village comes together and has a good party several times a year, which is a custom that's not very common elsewhere in Estonia," Rain comments.
"In my opinion, there's nothing better in the world than being a Seto," Rasmus adds with pride.
