Setomaa

Setomaa is a historical and cultural region located in the southeastern Baltic, characterized by its cross-border geography and distinct Seto heritage. In Estonia, the core of Setomaa lies within Võru County, including the administrative area known as Setomaa Parish, while a portion of the region extends into Russia’s Pskov Oblast along the Estonia–Russia border. The name Setomaa means “land of the Seto,” referring to the Seto people, an ethnolinguistic group closely related to other Finnic peoples.

The Seto people form the heart of the region’s identity. They speak Seto, a variety of South Estonian, and many are bilingual in Estonian or Russian. Seto culture features unique folk traditions, crafts, and music, with the polyphonic singing style called leelo being a highlights of the culture and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Religious life historically blends Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran influences, shaping rituals, festivals, and everyday practices. Traditional dress, embroidery, and woodwork remain important expressions of Seto identity.

Historically, Setomaa’s borders have shifted, especially in the 20th century. Following World War II, some areas were transferred to Soviet-controlled territory, altering the geographic extent of the Seto homeland. In the modern era, Setomaa has been reinforced as a cultural region, and cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Russia persists in preserving Seto heritage and facilitating cultural exchange.

Economy in Setomaa centers on agriculture, forestry, and growing tourism tied to cultural events, museums, and open-air experiences that highlight Seto history and daily life.