Moments with the community
Be part of the Haapsalu community
Every journey begins with the first step
In Haapsalu, you don’t have to go the journey alone
Community support is very important for adapting and integrating.
Integration can only be successful when local communities are open and ready to welcome people from different cultural backgrounds.
A Strong Foundation Has Already Been Created
Over nearly three years, we have already built a strong foundation.
Village associations in the rural areas of Haapsalu have been cooperation partners to the city government in various integration projects.
Working Together
Moving Forward Together
As part of the current project, the goal is to involve more people of different nationalities living in Haapsalu, as well as members of local communities, in activities.
Stories and Activities of Communities
Take part in our activities and create new stories with us!
It doesn’t matter whether you are new to Haapsalu or have lived here for years. It doesn’t matter whether you have participated in our events, gatherings, or workshops before or not. Upcoming events can be found on the homepage or on the Events page.
Choose an event that interests you and feel free to join!
Integration Through Art
Greek Artist Settled in Haapsalu Shares "Fragments of Time"
On the afternoon of April 4th, the Asuküla community center gallery was filled with a warm buzz and the vibrant colors of watercolors. A delightful evening was held with Athanasios Karydis, a Greek artist based in Haapsalu, whose exhibition “Fragments of Time” (Aja killud) has offered locals both visual beauty and food for thought.
The event held symbolic significance. It was more than just an art exhibition; it was a living example of how culture and language bring people together.
Linguistic Integration as a Natural Part of Life
One of the evening’s biggest surprises and points of admiration was Athanasios’s excellent command of the Estonian language. Having lived in Haapsalu for about ten years, the artist expressed himself freely and fluently throughout the conversation, sharing stories about both his life and his art. The fact that he attended the event with his entire family further emphasized his deep roots within the local community.
A Glimpse Behind "Fragments of Time"
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- Dedication: Although Athanasios has been working with watercolors for five years, it has become a daily passion and profession for him.
- Precision and Time: Completing a single, detail-rich watercolor painting takes an average of two weeks, though some pieces may require even more time.
- Sources of Inspiration: The artist prefers to paint based on his own photographs or combine photographic material with his memories, creating a personal and emotional whole.
Exhibition Open for a Limited Time
The meeting confirmed that art is a universal language that knows no borders. Those who could not attend the event are welcome to visit the exhibition until April 22nd.
Visitor Information: The exhibition “Fragments of Time” is open during Asuküla library hours or by prior arrangement with the community center.
Q1 2026: Practical Skills and a Growing Sense of Community
The first quarter of 2026 has been active and productive in Haapsalu’s integration projects. The focus has been on individual counselling, language practice, and shared activities that help new residents adapt more easily to local life.
Professional Support and Counselling
- In January, a new integration and adaptation support coordinator, Julia Gurjeva, began working in Haapsalu. She advises the target group on important everyday matters at Posti 34, Haapsalu.
- As part of psychological support, the therapy group led by Natalja Šastina continues: „Saturday Meetings for Building Resources“ .
- Viktoriia Blinova regularly provides individual counselling. Over three months, more than one hundred sessions took place, clearly showing the need for the service: 38 in January, 32 in February, and 46 in March.
- At a network meeting held in January, a new clay therapy group starting in May was introduced. It is aimed at Ukrainians who have lived in Estonia for less than five years and are currently unemployed. The therapy group „On the Path to Work“ is run by the NGO Vaiter.
Cooperation within Networks
Language Learning Through Everyday Conversation
Language Cafés
Language cafés at Cafe Micios have offered an opportunity to practice Estonian in a supportive and relaxed environment. Cafe Micio is a cozy café in Haapsalu where Estonian is learned through natural, everyday conversation.- Advanced conversation group: Led by Marianna Babitševa, 23 people have registered during the quarter. The topics have been very practical, including doctor’s visits, banking services, and using online shops. Participants have become noticeably more confident and appreciate the playful methods (e.g. Alias, role-playing).
- Beginner “Café Chats”: Greek-born Athanasios Karydis has created an atmosphere where people talk about everyday life and hobbies. According to him, the most popular topics are those where participants can talk about themselves.
Physical Activity and a Healthy Lifestyle
According to the instructor, interest has been high and consistent. Participants have become more confident, happier, and increasingly at ease within the group.
Food Culture and Crafts: Feeling at Home and Discovering New Flavours
Various workshops have brought together people from different nationalities to share traditions and learn new skills.
WORKSHOPS / CRAFTS
Mimoos Play and Party Rooms
Ave Tapner and Julia Radzikovski have led six workshops, including candle making, handmade cards, soap making, and spring wreaths. Particularly popular was the preparation of khinkali and vareniki, which created a warm ‘big family’ atmosphere.
Food Traditions
Vika’s Kitchen
Under the guidance of Viktoriia Sobol, participants learned to prepare Ukrainian syrnyky (in February) as well as cherry and potato vareniki (in March). The homely atmosphere in her kitchen has earned heartfelt appreciation from the participants.
COMMUNITY
Asuküla Community Centre
Healthy eating workshops were led by Imbi Sildaru. In January, participants explored agave syrup and lassi, and in March, they learned about sprouts and microgreens, with seeds provided for them to take home.
Senior Club “Why Do I Live in Estonia…”
“Focus and Activities
The club’s main goal is to come together and socialise, while all additional activities are a welcome bonus for participants. Each meeting always begins with memory training. In February, participants made traditional shrove buns (vastlakuklid) at Cafe Micio and talked about related traditions.
Visiting an Antique Shop
On March 11, participants visited an antique shop on Männiku Road. The shop owner Lilija, who is also a member of the club, introduced the history of antiques together with her Estonian partner. Participants learned how to identify antique items and created lampshades together.
Flavours of India and Culture
On March 25, Kishori (from Restaurant Mandarin) introduced participants to Indian spices, shared recipes, and offered masala tea for tasting. Together, they discussed Indian culture and languages.
Supporting One Another
Take a Look at What We Did in 2025
2025 Summary: A Year of Building Community
More and more people are living in Haapsalu whose journeys have brought them here from different parts of the world. At the same time, there is also a community that has been here for a long time.
The focus of 2025 was on bringing these two sides together and creating opportunities for people to meet, connect, and better understand one another. Over the course of the year, a strong cooperation network and a diverse system of activities took shape, where communities, partners, and participants work together.
In supporting adaptation and integration, we place great importance on involving local communities. Integration can only be successful when local communities are open and ready to welcome people from different cultural backgrounds. The goal is to involve more people of different nationalities living in Haapsalu, as well as members of local communities, in these activities.
Community Support and Cultural Exchange
Shared activities created a safe and open environment where different cultures could meet naturally.
During the year, local community organisations (Asuküla Selts MTÜ, Võnnu Noorte Selts MTÜ, Meeste Koda Haapsalu Kuur MTÜ, and Kollane Mimoos OÜ) organised 15 workshops introducing Estonian national culture, crafts, art, and heritage.
Over the course of 2025, different communities held 15 workshops where people from various national backgrounds could take part together, learn, and get to know one another better. The workshops were conducted in Estonian, naturally combining language learning with culture and everyday communication.
As part of the project, we supported four major events.
UKRAINIAN CULTURE
April 27, 2025
Ukrainian Easter Traditions in Haapsalu
This engaging event brought together people of different ages to explore Ukrainian culture through food, music, and traditions.
During the event, visitors enjoyed traditional Ukrainian Easter paskha, folk dances, various games, and Ukrainian songs. Performances on stage were given by Tetiana Ivuškina and the trio Perelaz.
LOCAL HERITAGE
June 21, 2025
Rannarootsi Day at the Rannarootsi Museum
This summer community event brought together music, flavours, and shared activities, offering an opportunity to experience Coastal Swedes culture through hands-on experiences.
The day began with a lively concert by Ruslan Trochynskyi. After that, participants took part in workshops, played the hiiu kannel, and went boating. The solstice was celebrated following Rannarootsi traditions.
COMMUNITY AND FLAVOURS
August 15–16, 2025
Home Café Days in Haapsalu
For the fourth time, the ‘Great Haapsalu Home Café Days’ took place in Haapsalu, with cafés opening in home gardens and various locations across the town.
As part of the project, traditional Ukrainian flavours, Turkish cuisine, and Ingrian and Karelian national dishes were represented. Visitors could also enjoy various games and folk music at the pop-up cafés.
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
September 26, 2025
European Day of Languages at Ilon’s Wonderland
The Day of Languages highlighted how language and culture help build connections between people of different nationalities and support mutual understanding.
A short film about illustrator Ilon Wikland, who fled from Haapsalu to Sweden during World War II, was shown. A workshop titled ‘800 Years Side by Side with the Coastal Swedes – Land, People, Language’ was held, and participants were introduced to the Swedish language and ways of learning it.
Community and Meetings
In September, a series of events titled “Meeting Café – Stories from Around the World” was launched, where more and more people share their experiences of adapting to life in Estonia and choosing Haapsalu as their new home. People who have settled in Haapsalu from the Netherlands, Turkey, and Mexico introduced their cultures and traditions.
Residents of Haapsalu represent 32 nationalities. Through our activities so far, we have involved representatives of 18 different nationalities in adaptation-related initiatives in one way or another. As part of the project, seven members of the target group are also providing services themselves.
Estonian Language and Everyday Communication
In autumn, the focus was on learning Estonian. At the Haapsalu Adult Education Centre, 88 people from different national backgrounds began language studies. There have been some dropouts, but it is hoped that around 70 learners will complete the course.
In addition, opportunities were created to practise the language in everyday communication. Conversation groups were held for both beginners and advanced learners, and a language club called “Keele Sulps” is currently being developed.
Health and Well-being
The Paths to Well-being run through the streets of Haapsalu, green spaces, and various cultural sites.
Path 1 “Path to Well-being – Promenade” follows a route along Haapsalu’s beautiful seaside promenade. After the opening event, an autumn activity challenge was launched. Over the course of two months, participants were encouraged to complete the path at least eight times, including four times together with a trainer. A map of the route, along with photos and videos, is available on the project website.
Services that Provide Practical and Emotional Support
Adapting to a new environment, community, and way of life can be challenging. To support this, we have developed services that provide help both with practical matters and emotional well-being. We help people find their way and connect with the right contacts.
We offer guidance in finding the necessary information, direct people to relevant services, and create opportunities for discussions and sharing experiences. When needed, it is also possible to take part in individual counselling, support groups, and discussion evenings.
In cooperation with partners and the community, we continuously develop new solutions to ensure that everyone can find the support and opportunities that suit them best.
The 2025 summary was written by Maire Vilbas, Community Work Specialist at the Haapsalu City Government and one of the initiators and key coordinators of the project ‘Integration and Adaptation Support in Haapsalu.’”