Fishermen’s day on Prangli Island, 8.07.2023
The beginnings of this tradition date back to the second half of the 20th century, when Estonians began to celebrate the professional holidays introduced by the Soviet regime, such as Builders’ Day, Miners’ Day and Cosmonauts’ Day.
While the other holidays have probably been forgotten, Fishermen’s Day has survived several reigns of government and has now transformed into a fun summer event on Prangli Island. Fishermen’s Day on Prangli is a much-loved event for the locals and has been a tradition for decades. Fishermen’s Day takes place every year on the second weekend of July and is like a celebration of the breaking of the island summer backbone – a milestone that no one wants to miss.
What is happening on Prangli Island on Fishermen’s Day?
1) The rowing competition with a traditional boat called Eistuk. 8.07.2023 12.00 in Kelnase port! Registration begins on 7.07 in the cafe at the port. Women and men compete separately and everyone has one attempt!
What is eistuk? Eistuk is a coastal boat without a keel, which in addition to Prangli Island has been used on the north coast of Estonia, on Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, also in the south coast of Finland and in Sweden.
The middle bottom board of the boat is thicker than the side boards and bent upwards at the ends, giving the boat a curved shape. On Prangli Island, eistuk is still in use, and some men can even build it, let alone row it. And, of course, it is important among the islanders, who is the best rower. Take a guess whether it is from the Linholm family or the Lembinen family this time…. either way it’s important to find out. Women also compete, and it’s not at all uncommon for an island woman to win over the island men. It’s a solo rowing race against time and the best will go through to the final. As long as we know, no one else in the world is organising such a race, so we call it the World Championship of Rowing an Eistuk. Anyone can participate! If you would like to come to Prangli with your family or friends during the Fishermen’s Day, send us a request here.
2) Fair, fish cooking competition, evening party.
At the Fishermen’s Day fair in Kelnas harbour you can support the local and buy good homemade products.
The fair in the harbour starts on 8.07. at 13.00.
The fish cooking competition in the harbour starts at 13.00.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the competition with fish dishes made on the island of Prangli (the dish must be made from local fish).
The awards ceremony for the fish cooking competition will take place at 14.30.
The evening party will take place on Ülesaare outdoor stage at 21.00, performing band “Untsakad”. Organised by Prangli Folk House. Ticket 15 euros.
3) In the café Roheline Luuk which is situated next to the shop, we offer a special deal for all the locals: we are collecting net bubbles(võrgupullud)! If you bring one that we don’t already have, we’ll exchange it for a Prangli beer!
Café Roheline Luuk is open Fri, Sat, Fri 12.30-19.30.
You can also come to the Fishermen’s Day as part of a company event, which can be arranged how it suits best for you!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write to us: info@pranglireisid.ee
See you on the Island!
