PRESS

Original article in Estonian language by G. RAAG here

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CRISTIANO PRINCIPATO, NATIONAL BALLET

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Estonia is a beautiful country that captivates foreigners with its nature and intelligence,
but let's be honest - most of the time it's gray and cold here.
Why do so many Italians move to Estonia from the sun
and what fascinates them about our culture, we ask them.

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I moved to Estonia for work.

I am a professional ballet dancer and have danced with the Italian and Dutch National Ballets.

Five years ago, the Estonian National Ballet was looking for male ballet dancers and offered a good contract and exciting opportunities.

I love living in Tallinn, I think there is an ideal balance between a big and a small city.

Everything is accessible and within reach, unlike real big cities where it can take over an hour to get to the center.

Tallinn is also very organized and clean. The state bureaucracy is extremely practical and efficient, not to mention the free public transport.

I like Tallinn both when it is covered in snow and when spring comes, when everything turns green.

 

The biggest difference between Italy and Estonia?

Italian culture is richer, because it goes back centuries.

Italy's population is larger and the country is located in a more convenient geographical location.

In almost every field, we have much more of everything, be it food, museums, archaeological sites, literature or art.

But I feel that Italy does not appreciate its immense culture as much as it should.

We almost take it for granted, because all this culture has always surrounded us.

Estonia, on the other hand, is a smaller and much younger country, which has had to fight for centuries against occupation and thus to preserve its identity and culture.

Over time, this has perhaps limited and slowed down Estonia's cultural growth, but it has also given people a deep sense of patriotism and pride, which I really feel in my daily life living here.

It is very beautiful and moving. It seems that although Estonia has been independent for the last 30 years, this whole struggle has not been forgotten and freedom is valued and protected. This is not taken for granted. And Estonia supports and appreciates its artists.

In Italy, it is harder for an artist, there are too many of them and the government does not appreciate them enough.

 

It always surprises me how winter turns into spring here. 

It happens very quickly, around mid-May, everything seems to blossom overnight!

And when the weather improves, the streets and cafes fill with people, which is a big contrast to the long dark winter months.

It really seems like a rebirth, because in other countries the transition to spring is slower and gentler.

Here you can really feel it in your bones! The air smells differently, your own body feels different and the days are so long and sunny that they create a completely euphoric feeling.

 

What I miss most about Italy is my family.

My parents, my sister, nephews and all my other relatives.

I also miss the milder winters and the better climate in Italy.

When I lived in Italy and the Netherlands, I rode a motorbike around the city almost all year round.

Here, the winter is too dangerous for that, but in the summer I like to ride my vintage bike around Tallinn.

I have adapted Italian culture to Estonia in many ways with the help of technology.

I follow Italian pop music and some TV shows, I read Italian news as much as I can.

As for food, Estonia offers a wide range of imported food, so I can find almost everything I eat in Italy, but it is much more expensive here.

 

I don't celebrate all Italian holidays here because of my job.

For example, August 15th is a big national holiday in Italy, Ferragosto, but in Tallinn I am mostly at work on that day.

And even if it is a day off, nobody celebrates it here anyway.

Of course, I like Christmas, because Tallinn is absolutely charming then, with its snow, decorations and Christmas markets.

I haven't been to Estonia during Midsummer, I'd like to try it out of curiosity somewhere in the countryside.

 

I don't eat any classic Estonian dishes, I'm very picky about food and taste.

A good friend made blood sausage and sauerkraut last Christmas, but I didn't like it.

But I must say that the restaurants here offer excellent quality of food and service.

And I really like the sweet sides of Estonian cuisine, like cream pie or kohuke.

 

The best Italian food?

We have so much wonderful stuff! Pizza, lasagna and all kinds of pasta, of course.

But the coolest thing is eating fish in local restaurants in all those Italian coast towns.

And I make a delicious tiramisu, which is definitely the best dessert ever.

 

Estonia has a great spa culture and it's definitely my favorite thing to do, especially since I'm always really tired from my job.

I adore the Kalaranna area, where I live, but I also like Kadriorg and Pirita and of course the Old Town and Toompea.

The OKO restaurant on Viimsi beach is definitely my favorite and one of the most romantic places here.

Outside Tallinn, I like the former Rummu prison and lake, it is very unique and a must-see for everyone who comes to Estonia.

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The most beautiful place in Italy?

Definitely my favorite cities Rome and Venice. Of course, Italy offers amazing scenery, whether it's the snowy mountains in Trentino or the lakes between the mountains like Garda. I'm more of a sea person myself, so I prefer the south of Italy.

For example the La Maddalena archipelago in Sardinia, although the whole of Sardinia is like paradise.

Or Tropea in Calabria. A rustic and vintage town on a cliff with one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy with crystal clear water.

 

Three words to describe Estonia to other Italians?

Strength, innovation, pride.​