Kihnu Island is one of the only places in Estonia where traditional local culture is still part of daily life.  In a community of about 700 people, women have carried a unique cultural heritage while men have been at sea.

 

Kihnu received extensive media coverage a few years ago when, for example, the BBC presented the island as "the last matriarchy of Europe." In the photos and videos, young women dance wearing red skirts, and ladies with head scarves do crafts. We went to ask locals if life is really as presented in the media.