Tallinn to celebrate Estonian Independence Day across the city
The 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will be celebrated in each City District with various events, such as public flag-raisings, open-air concerts and an opening of a new snow sculpture park.
Due to the coronavirus situation, large public events have not been organized this year in Tallinn. People are being asked to stay away from the flag-raising at Pikk Hermann at dawn and the president's evening reception has been canceled.
Tallinn has organized events in each district so the anniversary can still be celebrated.
"Estonia's birthday will be celebrated in every district of the city - both open-air and web concerts have been organized, those interested can participate in the opening of a new snow sculpture park, and listen to an audio program of Estonian poetry," Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kõlvart (Center) said.
In North Tallinn, on February 23, the photography exhibition "My Estonia" by Kopli kindergarten will be opened in the lobby and in the II floor atrium of the Salme Cultural Centre.
On February 24, from 10 a.m to 10 p.m, the premiere of an audio program based on Estonian poetry, voiced by well-known actors Hele and Alo Kõrve, Ester Kuntu and Sander Roosimägi (directed by Diana Leesalu, musical designer Veiko Tubin), can be heard in front of the Salme Cultural Centre.
In Kristiine, on the Facebook page of Kristiine district (facebook.com/kristiine.linnaosavalitsus), a concert with Hedvig Hanson (vocals), Heikko Remmel (double bass), Kalle Pilli (guitar) will be broadcast live on February 23 at 3 p.m.
In Pirita, an open-air concert will take place in the ruins of Pirita Monastery on February 24 at 6 p.m. Ivo Linna, Antti Kammiste, Kaire Vilgats and Paul Neitsov, Ott Lepland and young musicians from Pirita Majandusgümnaasium will take to the stage. There will also be a light installation. The number of participants is limited, guests are obliged to follow the 2+2 rule and wear a mask. All those who wish can take part in the event online (tallinn.ee/pirita/EV103).
In the City Centre, on February 23, the Town Hall Square spruce maze in the shape of the Estonian national flower will be decorated in blue, black and white. The monuments to cultural and social figures will traditionally be decorated with tricolored scarves.
In Haabersti, a concert with Tanel Eiko Novikov, the winner of "Classic Stars 2018", will take place on February 25 at 2 p.m. at Haabersti Day Centre. The number of visitors in the hall is limited, in order to participate it is necessary to register in advance by calling 5624925 or 6579872. The event must comply with the restrictions in force and it is obligatory to wear a mask.
In Nõmme, on Nõmme Hill near the von Glehn statue, the Estonian flag will be hoisted and the anthem will be sung on February 24 at 7.32 am. Please follow the 2+2 rule and the recommendation to wear a mask.
In Mustamäe, a snow sculpture park will be opened in Männi Park on February 23 at 3 p.m., which is an exhibition of snow sculptures of cartoon characters (a total of ten 2-3-meter statues). The snow park is designed with smaller slides for very young children and a larger slide with caves for older children. The requirement of dispersion should also be followed in the park.
In Lasnamäe's Jüriöö Park a line of honour dedicated to the anniversary of the Guard Battalion will take place on February 24. A fire will be lit at the top of the park's lighthouse "Tulila" and a wreath will be placed next to the monument to those who fell in the War of Independence.
Due to the situation caused by the coronavirus, the schedule of events may change.
However, one event will take place across the country. Weather permitting, aircraft of the Estonian Air Force and allies will fly over the cities of Kardla, Kuressaare, Parnu, Viljandi, Tartu, Rakvere and Tallinn on February 24.
The flyover along the route Amari-Kardla-Kuressaare-Parnu-Viljandi-Tartu-Rakvere-Tallinn will take place from noon until 2 p.m.
February 24 is a national holiday, while February 23 is set to be a half-day.
Information on COVID-19 restrictions can be found on the website www.kriis.ee/en.
Editor's note: The time of the flyover has been corrected to noon-2 p.m.
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Editor: Helen Wright