February 24 — Estonia's Independence Day!

Each year, on February 24th, the Republic of Estonia celebrates Independence Day!

Roughly 100 years ago, from 1918 to 1920, the Estonian people were embroiled in the Estonian War of Independence against the Soviet Western Front offensive. The most significant day was February 24th, 1918, on which Estonia declared statehood. This day is now commemorated as a national holiday, celebrated with a televised flag raising at Pikk Hermann Tower, the ancient defensive stronghold next to Toompea Castle, fireworks, a parade, and a presidential reception.

Fulfilling the dream of sovereignty

Throughout centuries of rule by foreign powers, Estonians never lost sight of their dream to become an independent state. On February 23rd, 1918, in the wake of the Russian Revolution, the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia was proclaimed from the balcony of Endla Theatre in Pärnu. The manifesto declared Estonia a sovereign nation, and the crowd below erupted into a rendition of what would later become the national anthem, Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm (My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy). The following day, on February 24th, the manifesto reached Tallinn and was published, and the Republic of Estonia was born.

How do Estonians celebrate Independence Day?

Each year, February 24th is marked by fireworks, concerts, a parade of the Defense Forces, and a presidential reception. Families come from all over to admire military units and listen to the orchestras of the Estonian Defense Forces, Police and Border Guard, and the United States Air Force. Following the parade, the Estonian president usually gives a televised speech and bestows state decorations to guests of honour at a national reception. Most events are also broadcast on TV throughout the day.

Here's the typical schedule for Independence Day celebrations on February 24th:

• The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony early in the morning. The ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at the Pikk Hermann Tower is open to the public.
• The parade of the Defense Forces usually takes place in Tallinn's Freedom Square.
• The president hosts a public reception and gala concert at the Estonian Theater and Concert Hall. 

This year's events may have a more somber tone since February 24th also marks the second anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Learn more about Estonian history

If you feel like celebrating all things Estonian this year and visiting Estonia yourself, there are plenty of places to explore to update your knowledge of Estonian history. In Tallinn, one could pay a visit to:

• Toompea Castle, the home of the Estonian parliament
• KGB prison cells, now open to the public,
• Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
• Visitor Centre of Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds to learn about the role of singing in Estonia regaining its freedom in 1991. You can then walk around on the festival grounds and imagine tens of thousands of people singing together.
• Estonian History Museum – Maarjamäe Palace has a permanent exhibition that covers recent Estonian history from the first independence to the current day.

To get an even deeper picture, visit the Estonian National Museum in Tartu (from recent history to the history of the Finno-Ugric people, this top-notch museum has it all) and make a stop at the memorial Ajahetk,  which is dedicated to Konstantin Päts, the chairman of the Estonian Salvation Committee who issued the Estonian Declaration of Independence on February 24th, 1918, and formed Estonia's first provisional government. If you want to celebrate Estonia in more of a natural setting, you can also hike the 10 km President's hiking trail in northern Estonia.