Estonia Achieves Guinness World Record in 100 x 10 km Relay

In honour of the Republic of Estonia's 100 birthday, a 10 km relay took place in Tallinn last year and has now qualified for entry into the Guinness World Record Book.

The world record in running 10km distance now officially belongs to Estonia. A total of 100 runners participated in the relay. Speed skater Saskia Alusalu, who was the last to cover the distance, finished the relay with the total time of 61 hours, 36 minutes and 6 seconds, which was faster than the previous record by over three hours.

Many athletes and public figures took part in the run, and the first runner was Culture Minister Indrek Saar.

Henri Kaarma, who came up with the idea for the event and was the second runner in the relay, said that due to the long wait, he had doubts whether the record will be confirmed but now it has! 

The event, which started on June 30 and ended on July 2, was organised by the Estonian Athletic Association with volunteers and supporters. Around 30 volunteers from the SCULT International Sport Volunteers Movement also participated in the organisation of the race.

Participators in the relay in the order of starting position were as follows: Indrek Saar, Henri Kaarma, Andres Hellerma, Laura Maasik, Marion Tibar, Raido Mitt, Rain Seepold, Ando Oitspuu, Oliver Kulbas, Margus Klaan, Lauri Monvelt, Robert Telpt, Roman Hvalonski, Armin Allmae, Raido Raspel, Aleksandr Kulesov, Janar Juhkov, Marti Medar, Kalev Oisnurm, Jan Dubrovski, Klarika Kuusk, Steven Rehelem, Karel Hussar, Ulari Kais, Kaupo Sasmin, Mairo Mandla, Tarmo Mandla, Tiit Palu, Markus Joonas Palu, Markus Rene Pae, Jaagup Truusalu, Kaspar Loog, Lauri Enn, Kenny Kivikas, Lauri Luik, Indrek Ilumae, Raido Rankel, Karel Tammjarv, Andreas Veerpalu, Mart Kivi, Anne-Ly Palm, Karol Hanga, Mario Markus, Arvi Alamaa, Margus Koor, Ivar Ivanov, Maidu Saar, Aare Kutsar, Allan Manni, Margus Hanni, Martin Vilismae, Sergei Rjaboskin, Steven Linkov, Taavi Tambur, Peep Jalakas, Matt Rammo, Kristjan Kokk, Erkki Hummal, Indrek Mumm, Madis Osjamets, Urmo Kallakas, Silja Jurs, Brit Rammul, Pille Hinn, Merill Magi, Martin Tamm, Joel Puulmann, Ivar Sikk, Raivo Alla, Ats Sonajalg, Jurgen Veber, Mihkel Trees, Andry Soo, Raio Piiroja, Raul Olle, Riho Kirsipuu, Allar Raja, Rainer Kravets, Tanel Koho, Rauno Reinart, Marek Vosu, Olari Orm, Partel Piirimae, Rainer Nisloni, Tiit Oinus, Cris Poll, Erkki Ehasalu, Karre Lauring, Bert Tippi, Tarvi Tameri, Reigo Jorsi, Avo Muromagi, Karol Keskkula, Kain Valjaots, Liis-Grete Arro, Priit Ailt, Priit Simson, Juri Jaanson, Ott Parna, Saskia Alusalu.

Estonia's population on the rise

According to Statistics Estonia, the population of Estonia is now officially 1 323 820. This is an increase of 4 690 people compared to January last year. More than 13 000 people immigrated to Estonia in 2018 (including Estonians who have returned home) and 6940 people left. More than 14 270 children were born in Estonia in 2018, which is 500 babies more than the previous year. The number of deaths in Estonia for 2018 was 15,670.

Estonian Song and Dance Festival 2019

This spectacular event only happens once every five years and haven't those past five years flown by!  From 4 - 7 July 2019 Estonians from all across Estonia, and the world, will gather in Tallinn to continue the rich singing tradition that began in Tartu in 1869. This year we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Estonian Song Festival. It is an emotional and uplifting event that is cherished by all Estonians.

My Fatherland is My Love.

Tickets went on sale for the Estonian Song and Dance Festival last week and prime spots are selling fast. If you don't manage to secure a ticket, don't worry, with thousands of singers performing, you would be able to hear the choirs from outside the festival grounds!

The atmosphere at the festival is truly amzing. It is a beautiful sight to see all the national costumes and Estonian flags are waved with such pride. The procession at the start of the festival should not be missed!

If you are new to the festival and want to take part, here are three of the main songs you should learn. At the end of the Estonian Song Festival everyone sings these songs together.

The National Anthem: Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm (My Fatherland, My Pride and Joy)
Juhan Liiv Poem Ta lendab mesipuu poole (Like a Homing Bee)
Lydia Koidula  Poem: Mu isamaa on minu (The Land of My Fathers, the Land that I Love)

For more information, please refer to the official Laulupidu website.

Video: Journey Through Setumaa (1913)

Estonia's first cinematographer Johannes Pääsuke made this film about Setumaa in 1913.

A new film about the life of Johnanes Pääsuke has been released and is now playing in cinemas across Estonia. The film stars Ott Sepp and Märt Avandi.

A look inside the Estonian National Museum

In October 2016 the Estonian National Museum opened its doors at its new location in  the former grounds of Raadi Manor in Tartu. In May last year I visited Tartu with my sister and we explored the new premises. We were very impressed!

Entrance of the Estonian National Museum.

An excellent collection of folk costumes are on display.

Each parish is represented. 

The garments are divided into seasons - summer, autumn, winter, spring.

A truly wonderful exhibition!

One of great features of the museum are the information screens.

You can change languages with ease.

One of my favourite exhibitions in the museum is the language centre.

Here all the Estonian dialects are represented.

When you walk in the room it is full of lights and buttons representing each parish.

When you push a button to a particular parish, the spotlight shines on that region 

and you  can listen to a person speaking with that dialect. 

You can also hear all the different dialects spoken all at once - that's Estonia!

The Estonian vowel machine.

Simply press the pedal to listen to the correct pronunciation of each vowel.

Practice makes perfect!

Estonian history in pictures.

This book of parish colours is a great keepsake. It was written by a staff member of the museum.

The Estonian National Museum is a must-see when in Tartu. 

I'm looking forward to returning soon!

Video: The University of Tartu - Get to Know Us

The University of Tartu is a prestigious public research university that is ranked in the top 1.2% of the best universities in the world. With study programmes available in Estonian and English, the university has much to offer both local and international students. 

On this day the Estonian War of Independence armistice took place

Today 98 years ago ended the Estonian War of Independence when the ceasefire with Soviet Russia came into effect. Today we remember those brave men who fought in the Vabadussõda and gave their lives for Estonia’s independence. 

The declaration of independence in 1918, was followed by nearly two years of warfare. The armstice took effect on 3rd January 1920 and the Treaty of Tartu was signed on 2nd February 1920.