Saaremaa students relive 1936 in Kuressaare

More than 250 school students took part in a time-travel event in Kuressaare on Friday, recreating life in 1936, ERR reported.

The event took place in the courtyard of Kuressaare Castle, where participants welcomed Estonian Olympic wrestlers Kristjan Palusalu and Voldemar Väli in the style of 1936.

That year helped put Estonian sport more prominently on the world map. Estonian wrestlers returned from the Berlin Olympics with three medals between them.

“A time journey is the best method for teaching not only history but all other subjects,” organiser Kadi Aavik said. “It is like the real thing. Especially in this age of artificial intelligence, it is important for students to experience what it was like to wear those clothes, have those hairstyles and eat that food.”

The students took part in activities associated with the period, including wrestling, formation drills and gymnastics. They also watched a fashion show and could visit Professor Paldrok, who was presented as a doctor.

The day ended with a party held in the style of 1936. Participants said they particularly liked the period’s clothing and jewellery.

“I would bring the clothing style into the present day because it was so elegant and beautiful,” participant Davier Anis said.

Participant Teele Ojamets said the style was fascinating, although people at the time may have missed telephones.

The event also had a personal connection for reporter Pukspuu. Veljo Kuivjõgi, whom the reporter interviewed, organised the reburial this year of Voldemar Väli from Stockholm to Kudjape Cemetery in Kuressaare.