24 February is the most important national holiday for Estonians – the Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia. On this day, we celebrate our country’s independence and freedom.
This year, we are celebrating the 108th anniversary of Estonia. We invite you to take part in Estonia’s birthday traditions. Here are some ways Estonians usually celebrate this day.
- Hoisting the flag at sunrise: Many Estonians gather early in the morning to watch the blue, black, and white flag being raised (in Tallinn, the flag is hoisted on the Pikk Hermann Tower).
- Parade: At noon, a parade of the Defence Forces will take place on Freedom Square in Tallinn. Free concerts will also be held in various cities. This will be a great opportunity to go for a walk, either alone or with your loved ones, and enjoy the festivities.
- Festive dinner: In the evening, families and friends gather at home around the table. Traditional festive meals often include sprat sandwiches, black bread, and kama.
- Watching the TV broadcast: The evening ends with the Independence Day speech by the president, a festive concert performance, and a reception, which is broadcast on ETV and watched by many.
This day is a holiday in Estonia, dedicated to family, home, and country. We invite you to wear blue, black, and white symbols on this day or offer your friends a piece of cake.
We wish you a happy anniversary of the Republic of Estonia!
Article was published in the Settle in Estonia newsletter, which is designed to support new migrants in their adaptation process and help them feel at home in Estonia more quickly. The newsletter helps make adaptation easier and keeps readers informed about important information needed for everyday life in Estonia. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.