Robots, Rain and Folk Hats
Even heavy drizzle couldn’t dampen the mood in Tallinn last weekend – neither for the thousands of people celebrating Estonia’s beloved Song and Dance Festival, nor for the pair of Starship delivery robots who joined in.
Held every five years, the Song and Dance Festival is a cultural cornerstone for Estonians. It stretches back over 150 years and brings together tens of thousands of singers, dancers and spectators for a celebration of shared heritage, harmony and identity. The parade alone is a spectacle: municipal choirs and folk groups march proudly through the capital in traditional costumes, each region’s designs unique and deeply meaningful. From embroidered belts to knitted caps, every detail tells a story of local roots.
This year, our robots joined in…
To mark the occasion, two of our delivery robots in Tallinn – part of the fleet serving Bolt Food customers – were given a folksy twist. We dressed them in traditional Estonian “his and hers” headgear, and they spent Saturday weaving gently through the crowds, before finding a spot to watch the parade go by. They even danced along to the music, in their slightly awkward way! A few small moves, a gentle spin and suddenly the robots had drawn smiles from onlookers and became unlikely stars of the celebration.
But the real magic was in the music. All weekend, customers who ordered groceries via Bolt Food were greeted by a familiar melody when their robot arrived: “Päikeseratas” (Sun Wheel), composed by the much-loved composer, Olav Ehala. His song – bright, hopeful and instantly recognisable to Estonians – rang out from the robots as their lids popped open. One customer lit up when she heard it and told us, “That’s my favourite song”. Turns out our robots deliver more than food; they deliver memories too!
For Estonians, Päikeseratas means more than a tune. Written by Ehala in the late 1980s, it captures something essential about Estonian optimism and endurance. Ehala himself – born in 1950 – is a legendary figure in the country’s musical life, having composed for theatre, film and choir. His music is modern but steeped in national feeling. Päikeseratas in particular has become a staple of youth choirs and song festivals alike, passed down through generations.
Pairing this song with robotic deliveries was a small gesture – but one that clearly resonated. Videos of the robots, their hats, dancing and playing music have since gone viral on TikTok, attracting over 400,000 views and counting.
For us, the idea was simple: to make our Bolt Food delivery robots feel like part of the city; not just helpers on wheels, but participants in local life. Tallinn welcomed them with open arms. We’re grateful for the smiles, the rain-soaked laughter and the good vibes shared.
Here’s to the next Song and Dance Festival, in 2028!
