Muinastulede öö

The article focuses on the initiation, spread, and implementation of the tradition of the night of ancient bonfires, mapping the cultural environment and describing the internal and external socio-cultural factors, as well as connections to identity creation of celebrating the last Sunday in August on the seashore. Data were collected through interviews and observations, and qualitative approach was used to reconstruct the dynamic of private and institutionalised marking. In the 21st century, bonfires are interpreted as remembrance of the past and continuation of tradition, based on ethnic identity. The authors present some comparative phenomena in the vicinity of Europe.