What is the traditional bonfire of Estonia’s Jaanipäev called?

The traditional bonfire of Estonia’s Jaanipäev is called a jaanituli.

Jaanituled are lit during Jaaniõhtu, the midsummer eve celebrated on June 23. The word combines the Estonian form of John with tuli, meaning “fire.” In many communities, the bonfire is the central meeting point for music, dancing, food, and outdoor games.

Bonfires are especially meaningful in Estonia because midsummer takes place close to the year’s longest days. Darkness arrives late, giving people a long evening for communal celebrations. Traditional customs also include jumping over the fire and staying awake through the short night.

A jaanituli is not the name of the entire holiday: the festival is Jaanipäev, while the fire itself is the jaanituli. Similar solstice fires appear throughout northern and eastern Europe, but their names and customs differ.