Estonia Independence Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Independence Day is a public holiday in Estonia on February 24 each year. Independence Day is also Estonia’s national day, commemorating the day in 1918 when the Declaration establishing the Republic of Estonia was signed. Estonia is a northern European country with coastlines on the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. Estonia’s varied landscape consists of rocky beaches, old-growth forests, and numerous lakes, and it is comprised of more than 1,500 islands. Estonia attracts tourists with its castles, churches, and hilltop fortresses. Estonia is home to approximately 1,300,000 people. Independence Day is observed by Estonians with parades, concerts, and parties.

The background of Estonia Independence Day

The Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia was announced from the balcony of the Endia Theatre in Parnu on February 23, 1918. The moment was marked by boisterous singing as the crowd began to sing the song that would later become Estonia’s national anthem: ‘Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room,’ which translates to ‘My Fatherland, My Happiness, and Joy.’ The following day, on February 24, the Manifesto was published in the nation’s capital, Tallinn. So was born the Republic of Estonia.

Estonia has fought numerous battles for independence. Prior to the declaration of independence in 1918, Soviet Russia ruled Estonia. However, after the Russians left and the Manifesto was published, Germany began a forced occupation that lasted until the conclusion of World War I. On November 19, confronted with defeat, the Germans had no choice but to return power to the Provisional Government. This victory for the Estonians was short-lived, as nine days later, on November 28, 1918, Soviet Russia invaded again, precipitating the Estonian War of Independence.

In February 1920, the war came to an end with the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty, in which Soviet Russia vowed to never again lay claim to Estonia. This promise was broken in 1940 when the Soviet Union invaded Estonia a second time, forcing the government to capitulate during World War II. On August 6, 1940, Estonia became a Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1941, Germany once again recaptured Estonia. Eventually, the Soviets reclaimed power.

In 1988, independence movements commenced with the formation of political parties and demonstrations. After the peaceful Singing Revolution against Soviet rule, Estonia finally reestablished its independence on August 20, 1991. This was an unprecedented revolution in which music was used as a tool of resistance and a statement of purpose. Independence Day in Estonia begins at sunrise with the traditional raising of the flag on Toompea, a hill in the capital city of Tallinn. This is followed by a military parade on Freedom Square, a free outdoor concert in the heart of Tallinn, and an evening reception for the President. In other Estonian towns, flags are raised in public and private spaces in the morning, followed by church services and participation in local celebrations. The current Estonian flag was adopted in 1918, following independence from Russia.

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ESTONIA INDEPENDENCE DAY ACTIVITIES

Festivities with Estonia

Even if you’re not from Estonia, it’s a great day to show our Estonian brothers and sisters some love. Compose a message of goodwill to all Estonians and distribute it across your social media platforms.

Learn a word in Estonian

Languages serve as a link between individuals. Take one minute to learn at least one Estonian word. You never know when it might come in handy.

Visit Estonia

If possible, plan a trip to Estonia. The country is home to some magnificent fortifications, churches, and castles. If that is not possible, travel virtually using Google.

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Public transportation is free for all Estonians in all Estonian cities.

In Estonia, a sport known as “wife-carrying” requires husbands to complete a race while carrying their wives on their backs!

Estonian, the official language of Estonia, is the second most widely spoken Finnic language in the world.

Old Town in Tallinn is the best-preserved mediaeval town in all of Europe.

In 2005, only 16% of the population was found to be religious.

ESTONIA INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	February 24	Friday
2024	February 24	Saturday
2025	February 24	Monday
2026	February 24	Tuesday
2027	February 24	Wednesday