Ethnicity Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Facts about Estonia

Every year, Ethnicity Day is observed on the third Saturday of October. This year’s event occurs on October 21. With Estonia being a member of the Finno-Ugric peoples, this day seeks to educate the Estonian populace to appreciate their origin, cultural heritage, and language more. The northernmost of the three Baltic nations, Estonia is located in northeastern Europe. Estonia’s territory consists of approximately 1,500 islands and settlements. Ethnicity Day is a celebration of Estonia’s unique language, cultural identity, and national culture. It is also a time for Estonians to reflect on other Finno-Ugric nations, introduce their languages and cultures, and discuss their issues.

The background of Ethnicity Day

The vast majority of Estonia’s history is dominated by foreign powers. It was incorporated into the USSR as one of its constituent republics in 1940 and remained a Soviet republic until 1991, when it declared independence along with the other Baltic states. On September 6, 1991, Estonia and the other Baltic nations (Latvia and Lithuania) gained independence from the Soviet Union and quickly joined the United Nations. The nation then took steps to transform its government into a parliamentary democracy and reorient its economy towards market capitalism. In 2004, the country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (E.U.) in an effort to achieve integration with the rest of Europe.

In comparison to other European nations, Estonia has a high proportion of foreign-born citizens. Estonians constitute approximately two-thirds of the population. About one-fourth of the population is comprised of Russians, making up the largest minority. Additionally, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Finns are notable among other ethnic minorities. There are linguistic and cultural regional distinctions among ethnic Estonians. Notably, the Seto people of southeast Estonia are Eastern Orthodox and speak a distinct dialect of Estonian. The islanders of the Muhu archipelago in the west have their own language and cultural connections to Scandinavians.

There are currently 69% Estonians, 25% Russians, 2% Ukrainians, 1% Belarusians, 0.8% Finns, and 1.6% other minorities in Estonia. In 2011, the Estonian parliament passed a statute establishing Ethnicity Day as a national holiday on the third Saturday of October.

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Ethnicity Day Activities

Study a book

Read a book to learn about the history of Estonia and its numerous ethnic groups. You gain a deeper appreciation for the culture as a result.

Attend a museum

Visit a museum to examine history firsthand. The historically rich culture will leave you seeking more.

Visit renowned Estonian sites

Take a trip with friends or family to Estonia and tour some of its most popular attractions. The magnificent scenery is a sight to behold and would make for an enjoyable road journey.

Five fascinating facts about Estonia

Over fifty percent of Estonia is forested, and a single square metre of wooded meadow can be home to more than seventy distinct species.

A oak tree in Orissaare, Saaremaa, received nearly 60,000 votes in 2015 to win European Tree of the Year.

Estonia won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 to the astonishment of many, including Estonians themselves.

Estonia is the 132nd smallest country in the world, but it is home to the most start-up enterprises, including Skype and TransferWise.

Estonia was the first country to implement online voting, beginning in 2005.

ETHNICITY DAY DATES