Good luck to the Estonian athletes who are set to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. May they bring home many medals and make Estonia proud!
Estonia - Paradise of the North
Ilus Eesti, beautiful Estonia. My family's homeland. Estonia's countryside and people have an endearing gentleness about them which you fall in love with slowly and imperceptibly. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Estonians' courage and determination to survive despite centuries of repression, tyranny and foreign occupation. This blog aims to promote Estonian news, history and culture and seeks to enlighten readers about everything this unique country has to offer.
Friday 26 July 2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: It all begins today!
Wednesday 24 July 2024
Fun fact: Estonia at the Olympics
The first time basketball was ever played at the Olympic Games was on the 7th August 1936 in Berlin. The opening match was played between Estonia and France and Estonia won 34 - 29. Basketball is the national sport of Estonia.
Monday 22 July 2024
Evald Okas Museum reopens in Haapsalu
The museum dedicated to the works of Estonian artist Evald Okas has reopened in Haapsalu after a two-year renovation. The 19th century museum building underwent major structural refurbishment to modernise the gallery with new technical communication equipment and heating system.
Evald Okas (28 November 1915 – 30 April 2011) was best known for his portraits of nudes and working in the medium of charcoals. In 1947, Okas, along with Elmar Kits and Richard Sagrits painted the ceiling of the Estonian National Opera. Okas later became a professor at the Estonian State Art Institute.
More information about the Evald Okas Museum can be found here.
Saturday 20 July 2024
Enjoy the next full moon in Tallinn
The next full moon can be seen tomorrow on July 21. The moon will still appear full the night before and after its peak for the casual stargazer to enjoy. During this time it would be a great opportunity to take a few photographs of the moon set against Tallinn's stunning skyline. Let's hope the night sky will be clear!
Friday 19 July 2024
Old photographs of Tallinn
I love viewing old photographs of Tallinn. In them I catch a glimpse of a bygone era that was once familar to my grandparents and their parents. One of the great things about Tallinn is that many of these lovely old buildings still exist today and I can experience visiting them for myself.
Wednesday 17 July 2024
Tallinn's Old Town Square
Located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, the Town Hall Square has long been a central hub of activity. First mentioned in 1313, the town square is lined with beautiful old medieval buildings and is where some of the oldest streets in the city start. Tallinn's Town Square is one of the most lively and social places in the city and has witnessed much over the centuries. Various markets, festivals, carnivals, wedding ceremonies, film shoots, as well as executions have all taken place on this site.
In the past, Tallinn's market square has been known by many different names. In 1371 it was known by the Latin name 'Forum' then 'Old Market' (Vana Turg) in 1442 and later 'New Market' (Neu Markt). At the end of the 18th century, the town square was called the 'German market' (Deutscher Markt) then the 'Swedish Market' (Schwedischer Markt). In 1923, after independence, the square was officially named Raekoja Plats.
Monday 15 July 2024
Kaja Kallas formally resigns as Prime Minister
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas submitted her resignation to President Alar Karis at Kadriorg this morning. Minister of Climate Kristen Michal is set to replace Kallas as PM later this summer. Kaja Kallas is stepping down as Prime Minister to take up her new role as the European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Estonia bids farewell to a remarkable prime minister who elevated Estonia's global presence. The European Union will gain an outstanding leader as foreign policy chief.