Song and dance festival for people with special needs starts in Viljandi
The XIV Disabled Song and Dance Festival "Ringing Home" is taking place in Viljandi on Saturday, August 5. This year's celebration marks the closure of the last large special care facility in Estonia; all participants now come from smaller home communities.
The "Ringing Home" song and dance celebration is devoted to integrating people who have special needs into communities and closing down large special care institutions.
"We have dedicated this celebration to the end of an era, as the last large special care facility closed last week," said Liina Lanno, the chair of AS Hoolekandeteenused's board of directors and a participant of the event.
"All participants now live in home communities and come from small homes. This is also an opportunity for them to reconnect with each other after having spent years in large special care facilities."
The song and dance festival for people with special needs this year includes also a descriptive translation of the festival for the visually impaired.
The event will feature a handcraft fair with handmade items, delicious cuisine and sweets.
The celebration begins at 2 p.m. with a procession, followed by speeches, choir and dance performances. Karl Madis will appear as a special guest. The event is free to attend.
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Editor: Maiken Tiits, Kristina Kersa
