Setos choose new chief elder in Mikitamäe

Setomaa is preparing to host the annual Seto Kingdom Day, a cherished tradition that has drawn thousands of Setos and their friends to the region since 1993. This special weekend is a vibrant celebration of Seto culture, language, and community.

"This is the day when the Seto language rings out all day in a village in Setomaa, Seto culture flows, and of course, a new ülemsootska is chosen for the next year," said chief organizer Maarja Saarine. The festivities are scheduled for August 1.

The kingdom will be proclaimed at noon, followed by a tasting and judging of Seto foods and drinks to select the king's champions. Various competitions will also take place throughout the day. A cultural program will be presented on both the guest and main stages.

Before the ceremonial election of the new ülemsootska, traditional "pakud" (logs) will be brought out, and election ropes will be tied and untied to determine who will be entrusted with Peko's scepter, the "kiiora," for the upcoming year. Last year, Jalmar Vabarna was elected ülemsootska. Lõuna-Eesti Postimees will provide a live broadcast of the election starting at 4 p.m. The day will conclude with the announcement of this year's king's champions, the new ülemsootska accepting a military parade, and a "kirmask" (feast) with the band Zetod.

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See on päev, mil ühes Setomaa külas heliseb terve päev seto keel, voogab seto kultuur ja muidugi valitakse järgmiseks aastaks uus ülemsootska.