The Naked Truth is Back in Tartu!
Discussion Festival in Saunas by the Emajõgi River in May
The Naked Truth, a discussion festival in saunas, is returning to Tartu! This event combines a sauna festival and a discussion festival, where the sauna benches serve as discussion stages. The goal is to create a pleasant gathering, promote sauna culture, and develop a conversation culture inspired by the sauna experience.
Mobile saunas will be set up at the city beach by the Emajõgi River. Every full hour, a dialogue-based discussion will start, lasting 20–30 minutes, followed by a cooling-off session. Discussions will revolve around three themes: heritage, green living, and peace. A new discussion will start at the next full hour, and conversations can continue even during the cooling-off period. There will be a total of eight saunas for the discussions.
- Friday, May 16: Discussions at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM
- Saturday, May 17: Discussions at 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM
- No discussions will take place during the first and last hours.
The culture of discussion in saunas reflects what society should strive for—friendly, non-confrontational, inclusive, and focused on finding common ground. Sauna is a deeply rooted part of our culture, but it is also a source of well-being and relaxation, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. Sauna makes everyone equal—there are no titles, medals, or uniforms.
In saunas, people communicate with respect, friendliness, and sincerity. Without smartphones, the focus is on human interaction, and conversations are open and honest. Only the person matters. This is the Naked Truth—literally and figuratively.
Equal Participation in Discussions
Everyone is an equal participant in the discussions. The discussion leaders ("steam masters") include:
- Rein Sikk, "Sauna Minister"
- Mika Keränen, writer
- Daniel Vaarik, founder of Levila
- Eda Veeroja, promoter of smoke sauna culture
- Triinu Laan, writer
- Toomas Trapido, trainer
Discussions will be held primarily in Estonian, with one sauna offering discussions in English.
The first Naked Truth event was held last year as part of the Tartu 2024 European Capital of Culture main program.
Event Details
Dates & Times:
- Friday, May 16, 2024 – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday, May 17, 2024 – 3 PM to 8 PM
Location:
Emajõe city beach, Ujula Street 102, Tartu
Languages:
Most discussions will be in Estonian, with one sauna offering discussions in English.
Tickets:
- €10
- €5 (for pensioners and students)
- Free for children under 12
Partners
Eesti Maaturism, Oulu 2026, Oulun Rantasaunaseura, International Sauna Association (ISA), MTÜ Emajõe Lodjaselts, Tarton Suomi-seura, Tartu 2024, City of Tartu, HUUM
Producer:
Hannele Valkeeniemi, Finnish Institute
hannele.valkeeniemi@finst.ee
Photo:
Mika Keränen in the Oulu 2026 sauna at the first Naked Truth event
PHOTO: Lauri Kulpsoo