Narva to mark Estonia's Independence Restoration Day with a Singing Picnic

On Thursday, 20 August, the Integration Foundation will hold a Community Picnic in Narva to mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonian independence. The day opens at noon in Rugodiv Park with a discussion and workshop program called "Voice of the Communities," before moving in the evening to the Lime Avenue (Liepu aleja), where the Singing Picnic and communal singing begin at 17:00.

Through songs and visuals, the Singing Picnic program will take the audience on a journey through different parts of Ida-Viru County, including Narva, Narva-Jõesuu, Toila, Sillamäe, Jõhvi, Kohtla-Järve and Kiviõli. The repertoire brings together the region's various places, generations, languages and cultures.

Anna Farafonova, head of the Narva Estonian Language House of the Integration Foundation, said the aim is to jointly celebrate the 35th anniversary of Estonia's restored independence and to highlight that strength lies in unity, while also showcasing the diversity of Ida-Viru County — its people, local choirs, cultures and traditions.

Performers will include the tandem choir of Narva's Rugodiv cultural centre, the youth mixed choir "Vdohnovenije" of the Narva Music School, the Narva Boys' Choir, the choir of the Narva House of Peoples, the folklore ensemble "Suprjadki," the men's choir Kaevur, the Lüganuse mixed choir, the North-East Coast choir, the Iisaku mixed choir and the youth choir of Jõhvi Gymnasium. Tallinn's mixed choir Sakala will appear as a guest performer. Lyrics will be displayed on a large screen so the audience can sing along.

The Singing Picnic will close with a performance by Anne Veski and her band, who will perform the song "Eilne päev" together with the combined choir.

The Community Picnic is free for everyone. Visitors to the evening program are advised to bring a picnic blanket and a basket of food, and to dress for the weather. The full event program is available on the Integration Foundation's website.