Hiiumaa opens 39 home cafes for annual festival

Thirty-nine home cafes opened across Hiiumaa on Saturday for the island’s annual home cafe days, ERR reported. The one- and two-day event originated in Kärdla and has become a popular summer tradition.

The cafes attract Hiiumaa residents living on the mainland, who return to the island for the weekend. “I am one of those who lives on the mainland but still considers herself a Hiiumaa resident, because my roots are here,” Ester said. “Every year, I have to come and experience these cafe days.”

Visitors Kairi and Marietta waited in line before choosing their food. Marietta selected a biscuit cake after noticing that it was described as having been made by Laura during the night. Kairi chose a tuna sandwich cake, saying she had not eaten one in a long time.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal also attended the event. “It is really great. As you can see, there is a lot of activity, people are standing in line and all the home cafes are very impressive,” he said.

Kristel Peikel, head of the Hiiumaa tourism cluster, called the home cafe days the highlight of the summer. She said this year’s event had a record number of cafes and marked the 20th time the days had been held on Hiiumaa.