Estonian Indepence Day

1. Estonian Indepence Day 24th February

2. On all houses the blue-black-white flag will be hoisted. The Estonian national flag is tri-colour, consisting of three equal horizontal bands, the upper one being blue, the middle one black and the lower white.

3. Originally the tri-colour was the flag of the Corporation of Estonian Students. Over time, the tri-colour acquired the status of the national flag, and in 1922 the Parliament Riigikogu approved it as the official state flag. Since the occupation of Estonia in 1940, the use of the tri-colour was banned. On the 24th February 1989, the national tri-colour was hoisted on the top of Tall Hermann tower again. According to a law adopted in august 1990, the tri-colour again became the official state flag of the Republic of Estonia.

4. It was on this date in 1918 that „an independent democratic” Republic of Estonia was declared for the first time in world history. Although during the Soviet occupation this holiday, along with many other Estonian traditions, were strongly forbidden from being celebrated, the newly restored independence allowed this occasion to regain its status as one of the most significant national holidays. For the majority of people Independence Day marks a day off work, so why waste it on doing laundry or tiding up when hosting a group of friends sounds like much more fun!

5. Right after watching the Independence Day military parade (that is organized in different Estonian towns, in addition to Tallinn for example in Paide, Rakvere ja Pärnu) on the bitterly cold February morning, the guests gather in the host’s dining room where the table is set in blue, black and white tones. The significance of the day is expressed by using Grandma’s precious old dinnerware and silverware destined for special occasions only.

6. Whether it’s VeljoTormis or Erkki-Sven Tüür, ArturRinne or Kukerpillid that you choose to play at your Independence Day gathering, the music is to be genuinely Estonian. Some of the activities for this occasion include various party games (e.g. Estonian game), sing-along, patriotic toasts and speeches. Chunks of the traditional Estonian barley bread with creamed smoked cheese and finger sandwiches with spiced sprats and quail eggs are served as appetizers, along with the pricey smoked eel on toasted ryebread that is generally served only on very special occasions.

7. The gathering that started as a stand-upparty gets into full gear once all the guests have arrived and initial toasts have been made. As everyone take seats around the table, the mealtime starts with cold dishes, such as jelled smoked beef tongue with creamed horseradish, herring and potatosalad, potato and egg salad. Independence Day party is the perfect time to bring out the summer fresh preserves: Grandma’s pickles, Mom’s pumpkin salad and marinated red milk-caps that can be served on the side of the main course of the day – Estonian carbonnadewith mashed potatoes and wild mushroom sauce.

8. The white chocolate cheesecake is perfect for the party surprise as it is both majestic looking and delightfully tasty. The impressive white dessert is garnished with frozen berries that were picked from one of the many Estonian forests over this past summer, as well as candles and the Estonian blue-black-white flags. Enjoy this dessert with a cup of black coffee or coffee withcream, and you’ll have a perfect color combination for the party. Even those not in the guest list of the President’s official reception and Independence Day ball can still be a part of the biggest celebration in Estonia by watching the festivities on television.

9. Many people who have had an important role in the development of Estonia are honored by the President with different medals and orders. The independence day is celebrated all over Estonia with festive concerts and gatherings. Known singers, choirs, folk dancers and professional musicians and actors perform. In cities and communes people who have been excellent and distinguished in their jobs are rewarded. One can hear the Estonian hymn, “My Native Land” everywhere. The anthems of Estonia and Finland share the same melody, written by the composer Fredric Pacius. The anthem was first sung in public in 1869 to the words written by J.V. Jannsen especially for the first Song Festival.

10. “My Native Land” became tremendously popular among the people and became the unofficial national anthem already by 1896. In 1920, it received the status of the official national anthem. There are concerts in schools, where students perform with songs, instrumental pieces, poems and shows. Art exhibitions are organized. Meetings with people who have fought for Estonian liberty and independence are arranged. One can watch interesting programs on the television the whole day about Estonian history, the fight for independence and about people who have done a lot for the Estonian republic, and also concerts with Estonian music.  

11. POTATO AND EGG SALAD • 6 hardboiled eggs • 10 boiled potatoes • 1 cup sour cream • ½ cup mayonnaise • handful fresh chives, chopped • salt, black pepper to taste Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and chives to make the dressing; add salt and pepper to taste. Chop the potatoes and eggs. Pour in the dressing and mix well to combine. It’s really something genuinely Estonian!

12. HERRING AND POTATO SALAD • 200 g salted herring • 4-5 boiled potatoes • 3 hardboiled eggs • 1-2 red onions • 1 cup sour cream Finely chop the herring, onion(s) and eggs. Slice the potatoes. Put the potato slices on a serving platter and arrange the herring on top. Pour over the sour cream. Garnish with the chopped onions and eggs.