Estonia to mark 35th anniversary of restoration of independence with extensive events
Estonia will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence restoration on August 20 with a wide range of events, including a conference, flag-raising, concert, and family activities. The celebrations may be the last for many signatories of the 1991 declaration due to their age.
Estonia is set to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence on August 20 with an expanded program of festivities. The events kick off on August 19 with a conference titled "Parliament as the Restorer and Guardian of National Independence," featuring key figures such as academic and veteran politician Marju Lauristin, former Prime Minister and MEP Siim Kallas, and co-author of the Estonian Constitution Liia Hänni.
Ants Veetõusme, president of the August 20 Club, which includes all surviving signatories of the 1991 independence declaration, noted that this anniversary is especially significant. Given the age of those who participated in the independence process, this jubilee may be the last for many of them. Journalists may also have a final opportunity to learn directly from primary sources about what actually happened in those years.
On Restoration of Independence Day itself, Thursday, August 20, the program begins with a flag-raising ceremony in the Governor's Garden on Toompea. This is followed by an ecumenical thanksgiving service at St. Mary's Cathedral, wreath-laying at the August 20 memorial stone on Toompea, the presentation of a commemorative postal stamp in the Riigikogu's White Hall, and a ceremonial sitting of the parliament. Other events involve the August 20 Club and associates.
In the afternoon, a concert called "Voice of the Past. Sound of the Future" will take place in the Governor's Garden, featuring performances by folk-pop ensemble SADU, electro-indie musician NOËP, Eurovision 2024 representatives Puuluup, and others.
The area surrounding the August 20 memorial stone has been renovated, including the permanent removal of an e-scooter parking zone adjacent to the stone, following a complaint from the Riigikogu Office Director. The City of Tallinn says the zone was relocated elsewhere by July 24.
The traditional presidential reception at the Rose Garden in Kadriorg, the seat of the Estonian head of state, will proceed from late afternoon. This will be President Alar Karis' last reception, as he is not seeking re-election in September. Representatives from Latvia and Lithuania, from bodies equivalent to Estonia's August 20 Club, will attend.
For the public, the day will also be celebrated at the Tallinn TV Tower with a free family day. Visitors can learn about the activities of the Defense League, Police and Border Guard Board, Rescue Board, and other key organizations. Workshops and demonstrations are planned, and the day will conclude with a concert by the band Black Velvet.
The Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom at the bottom of Toompea will host several public events on August 20. The program includes a guided tour of the Old Town led by historian and storyteller Joosep Vimm, a free cycling tour visiting sites connected with the restoration of Estonia's independence, as well as workshops and activities for the whole family, such as making Estonia-themed badges and exploring an exhibition dedicated to the restoration of independence.
Estonia restored its independence on August 20, 1991, when the Supreme Council adopted the relevant decision, affirming the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia established in 1918, which had been interrupted by World War II and the Soviet occupation. August 20 is a national holiday.
