Kaardikogud

Kaardikogud is a small Estonian language preservation and cultural village located in the Lääne-Nigula Parish in Lääne County, Estonia. The village has been a center for the preservation of Estonia's cultural heritage since its founding in 1957. The name Kaardikogud translates to "cardigan collectors" or "knitting community" in English, due to the village's original focus on collecting and preserving traditional Estonian cardigans and other handicrafts.

During the Soviet occupation of Estonia, the village began to serve as a cultural sanctuary for Estonians. The village's founders aimed to preserve the country's cultural identity through education, craft, and cultural activities. In this context, Kaardikogud started to focus on teaching traditional crafts, such as knitting and weaving, as well as traditional music and dance. The village also maintains a library that houses rare books on Estonian culture and language.

Today, Kaardikogud has expanded its focus towards promoting biodiversity and sustainable living practices. The village runs several nature-focused programs, including a model farm and a rainwater harvesting demonstration site. The village's community has also established a solar farm and offers language and craft courses to visitors.

Local residents of Kaardikogud contribute to preserving Estonian heritage by collecting and analyzing local customs, traditions, and materials science knowledge. Traditional activities and festivals continue to thrive within the village community. Kaardikogud welcomes visitors and researchers who are interested in learning more about Estonian culture and way of life. The village remains an important site where cultural preservation meets sustainable living.