Internationally acclaimed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt turns 90

World-renowned Estonian composer Arvo Pärt celebrated his 90th birthday today. He gained international recognition in the 1980s for developing his groundbreaking tintinnabuli style - a meditative approach to composition that has since become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary classical music. Pärt has earned countless accolades over the years, including more than a dozen Grammy nominations, with wins for Best Choral Performance in 2007 and 2014. Arvo Pärt currently holds the title of the world's most performed living composer. 

 

 

Born in Paide on the 11th of September 1935 Arvo Pärt studied music at the Tallinn Music School and Tallinn Conservatory before starting his career as a sound engineer. He spent a decade working in radio before becoming a freelance composer. Pärt composed many of his pieces whilst living abroad. In 1980 he moved to Vienna then spent the next thirty years living in Berlin, Germany. In 2010 Arvo Pärt returned to Estonia and settled in the coastal village of Laulasmaa. His family opened the Arvo Pärt Centre in 2018 in honour and preservation of his work.

 

The old Kreenholm textile factory

The Kreenholm Manufacturing Company was a textile factory located on the river island of Kreenholm in the city of Narva in Estonia. It was founded by German industrialist Ludwig Knoop in 1857 who was a cotton merchant from Bremen in Germany. Knoop acquired the whole island and founded his textile factory there.

At one point, Kreenholm's cotton spinning and manufacturing mills were the largest in the world and consisted of 32,000 acres of land and employed over 10,000 workers.

The factory was built using red-brick, English-style architecture and was once considered a symbol of industrial prowess.  Narva’s powerful 27-foot waterfall made it possible to use cheap water energy to power much of the factory's operations.

The first workers strike in the history of Estonia took place at the Kreenholm textile factory in August 1872. Poor working conditions led to a cholera outbreak that killed over 500 people. At that time employees were starting work at 5am and working 14 hour days in an environment where factory windows were always closed. After a series of negotiations, some small improvements were made. 

After periods of state ownership and privatisation following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the  Kreenholm textile factory eventually went bankrupt in 2010,  Today, the site is an important piece of Estonian industrial heritage, offering insights into the history of industrialisation and serving as a backdrop for cultural events. 

Where to buy Estonian school caps

Over the years, I've been asked by people living outside of Estonia, where they can buy Estonian school caps. They may have seen old family photographs of their parents as students wearing their caps and want to purchase one as a keepsake. I bought a school cap many years ago in memory of my grandfather by contacting the school. Alternatively, it is possible to contact the manufacturer directly to place an order. Velmard has a range of school caps available at 35€ each.

Children across Estonia begin the new school year

The 1st of September marks the beginning of the new school year in Estonia. More than 160,000 students will start the new academic year today with around 14,000 of those children being first graders. Children in Estonia don't wear compulsory school uniforms but they all proudly wear school caps. These 'koolimüts' foster a sense of community and school identity among students. Very often school caps are worn long after graduation and into adulthood on special occasions such as reunions and the Estonian Song Festival / Laulupidu.

This day in history

On this day thirty-one years ago, the last Russian troops left Estonian soil. It was the moment Estonia's independence was truly restored and the future looked bright, opened up to a world full of possibilities. 

After fifty years of Soviet occuapation it was goodbye and good riddance.

 

Tommy Cash's "Espresso Macchiato" a summer hit on German radio

Tommy Cash's 'Espresso Macchiato' may have come third place at this year's Eurovision final but it's a  clear winner at the top of the charts. As of August 2025, Espesso Macchiato has over twenty million views on YouTube and is the most streamed Eurovision song on Spotify for 2025.  In Germany, the radio station Bayern 3 often plays Espesso Macchiato and refers to it as 'der Sommerhit aus Estland'.

Fact of the Day: The Bench Press was invented by an Estonian

George Hackenschmidt was a professional wrestler, strongman, sports philosopher and writer. He was born in Tartu in 1877 and at school he excelled at gymnastics, swimming, running, cycling and weightlifting. His strength astounded his teachers as he could lift a small horse off the ground and lift 276 pounds overhead one handed. In the late 19th century he created the bench press and popularised the hack squat. In 1905 George Hackenschmidt became the world's first heavyweight wrestling champion.

 

 George Hackenschmidt 1877 (Tartu) - 1968 (London).

Photo flashback: Harju Tänav 38, 36, 34 in 1928

 

 

The Baltic Way: One of the largest political demonstrations in European history

On the 23rd of August 1989, two million people joined hands across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to form the Baltic Way. The 675km human chain was a peaceful protest against Soviet rule that had deprived their countries of their statehoods. It was a powerful symbol of unity and freedom.

The Baltic Way took place on the anniversary of the signing of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that divided Eastern Europe between the Nazi and Soviet regimes. Today, we honour those brave people who took part in the demonstration. 

 

 

Estonia: not your average bucket list destination

Happy Restoration of Independence Day! Head Taasiseseisvumispäev!

Today, Estonians across the globe celebrate the 34th anniversary of the restoration of independence. In 1991, after enduring fifty long years of Soviet occupation, Estonia finally restored its statehood. It was a deeply cherished longing in the heart of every Estonian and today we celebrate our country's freedom, never taking it for granted.

The beloved blue, black and white national flag will be raised on all commercial, government and office buildings today and will also be proudly displayed in every Estonian home. 

The city of Tallinn will mark the restoration of Estonia's independence with a variety of events that can be found here. Elagu Eesti!

Arnold Ruutel recalls how Estonia's independence was restored

The lost Estonian county of Petserimaa

Petseri County (Petserimaa) was a historical Estonian county that existed from 1918 until 1944.  As a settlement, Petseri was built around a monastery founded in the year 1473. On the 26th of February 1918, German troops occupied Petseri until Estonia took control of the area during the Estonian War of Independence. With the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1920, Petseri officially remained the territory of the Republic of Estonia. Historically, Petseri is considered the cultural capital of the Seto people.

After 1944, most of the territory, including the town of Petseri (Pechory) was illegally incorporated into Russia and became part of the Pskov Oblast. Estonia retains a portion of the original territory, which is now part of Setomaa Parish in modern Võru County. 

According to the 1934 census, out of 64,712 inhabitants of Petseri County, 65.06% were Russian, 32.36% Estonian, and 2.29% Latvian. Many of the ethnic Estonians who once lived in Petseri have since relocated to live on the Estonian side of the border. Today, under Russian administration the population of Pechory has been in steady decline. Population statistics reveal that figures have dropped from 13,056 inhabitants in 2002 to 11,196 in 2010 and 9,808 in 2023.

Historic photograph. 

 

Photo from Päewaleht newspaper 3rd July 1939 

In early July 1939 a song festival concert was held at the exhibition grounds in Petseri. 60 choirs with 2,500 singers took part. The event was attended by approximately twenty thousand people from all over Estonia. Guests of honour included the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General J. Laidoner and his wife, Mrs. L. Eenpalu, Minister A. Oidermaa and Minister of Roads N. Viitak and his wife. 

Today, Estonians consider the centre of Setomaa to be Värska.

Estonia ranks number one in the world for human rights in 2024

Once again Estonia outshines its peers when it comes to fundamentally important issues in society. Estonia's constitution and laws provide a strong foundation for human rights. Including freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and protection against discrimination. Estonia may be a small nation but it has big standards when it comes to dignity, equality, and respect for all.

 

 

The top 15 countries in the world for Human Rights are: 

Ernst Rudolf Jaakson: The world’s longest serving diplomat

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Ernst Rudolf Jaakson who was the longest-serving diplomat in history. Jaakson had an unwavering belief in Estonia's independence and his dedication to maintaining its legal continuity ensured that Estonia's statehood was never forgotten. Jaakson was a symbol of Estonia’s statehood whilst living in exile in the USA.  His diplomatic career spanned 69 years.

 

Ernst Jaakson 1905- 1998 

Jaakson studied economics at the University of Latvia in Riga, and law at the University of Tartu. He later graduated from Columbia University in New York with a degree in economics.

In 1969, Jaakson issued a statement on behalf of Estonia to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. Leaders of 73 countries from around the world contributed to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. These messages were stored on a disc made of silicon and was left on the Moon in 1969 by the Apollo 11 astronauts.  

 

 

Ernst Jaakson was the chief diplomatic representative of Estonia in the United States until Estonia regained independence in 1991.  

 

Symbol of Dawn: The life and times of Estonian poet Lydia Koidula

A new revised edition of Madli Buffalo's book Symbol of Dawn has been published by the University of Tartu Press. Symbol of Dawn introduces the life and works of Lydia Koidula to the English reader and also provides a good overview of 19th century Estonia. Lydia Koidula was the first great poet to write in the Estonian language.

Symbol of Dawn can be purchased directly from the publisher here. 

Estonia ranks 8th most relaxing place in the world

BookRetreats.com has created the Global Relaxation Index to find the world’s most relaxing destinations. Based on the analysis of nine metrics, the study scores 76 countries across key categories including safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. In Estonia, once you get out of the city, nature takes over. It is abundant, beautiful and works on its own timetable. It literally forces you to relax.  Here are twenty of the world's most relaxing holiday destinations.

Celebrating the Estonian Year of the Book

This year we celebrate the Year of the Estonian Book to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first known mention of a book written in the Estonian language. Estonian writers have produced many great literary works over the years with Tammsaare's Truth & Justice at the top of the list as a 'must read'. Literary translations make it possible for Estonian stories to reach a wider audience. The most common languages Estonian books are translated into are German, Finnish, English and French. 

I'm proud of my little collection of Estonian books. I'm particularly fond of reading books set during the Hanseatic period. For years I have been eagerly awaiting another Apothecary Melchior novel to be translated into English.  So far there have only been two (out of eight) a third book in the series has been translated, but into French rather than English.

Here is a list of some of the most highly regarded Estonian books that everyone should read.

Truth and Justice (Tõde ja õigus) by A.H. Tammsaare
Son of Kalev (Kalevipoeg) by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald
Names in Marble (Nimed marmortahvlil) by Albert Kivikas
Between Three Plagues by Jaan Kross
The Milkman of the Manor (Mäeküla piimamees) by Eduard Vilde
The Tzar's Madman (Keisri hull) by Jaan Kross
The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirähk
Apothecary Melchior and the Mystery of St Olaf's Church by Indrek Hargla 

Photo of the day: The lone wolf in Paikuse

Estonia's wolf population is estimated to be around 260 - 360 wolves living in 20-25 packs. This photo was taken today by Kristhel Vaht in Paikuse. The grey wolf was declared the national animal of Estonia in 2018.

Photo flashback: Ladies with their parasols on the Haapsalu promenade

My trip to the Estonian Song Festival

There are some things people should do at least once in their lifetime and attending the Estonian Song Festival is definitely one of them. It's a truly wonderful event that warms the heart and stills the mind, a powerful demonstration of national unity. I was so thrilled to finally be a part of it, it's an event I have wanted to go to for a very long time.

Every time I visit Estonia I make a point of experiencing something new. This time I did something I have never done before. I drove to Estonia! All across central Europe and up through the Baltics. I have Estonian friends who often do this and I always thought they were crazy. It's too far I tell them, just fly. It's quicker. But they don't seem to mind the drive.

This year I decided to drive for a numner of reasons. My brother lives in Poland and I wanted to stop by Warsaw on the way, as well as Riga and I also wanted to visit the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. I knew I would never visit that site unless I travelled by road. This Hill of Crosses is an interesting place, it's a pilgrim site dating back to the 1830s and contains thousands of crosses, crucifixes, and other religious items.

 

The Hill of Crosses. 

Located 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai in Lithuania. 

The epic road trip to Estonia took two days to complete. The motorways in Germany and Poland were very good, but not long after passing through Vilnius, I found myself driving on single lane roads most of the time. It was slow from then on, especially when I got stuck behind a truck or a bus (there were so many trucks on the road!).

I arrived in Tallinn on the Friday, and the weather was still good then. Blue sky with a slight breeze, it was ten degrees cooler than the day before. I expected to hear a lot of different accents in the streets as I wandered around, and I did. Estonians from all around the world were in town, it was a very special time to be back in the homeland. As I stood by the traffic lights, on my way to Freedom Square, I remember looking down and seeing a Bolt delivery robot also waiting at the lights. I had to smile. This is modern Estonia. The country I love so much.

It gave me great joy to see the national costume everywhere I went that weekend. People walked around in small groups, either coming or going from an event. It was a beautiful sight. I marvelled at how pristine these clothed looked, they were so well maintained, the blouses so white. They were worn with such pride.

On Saturday it began to rain and my heart sank. It was terrible weather for a procession. Regardless, I went to watch as I was eager to see all the different groups and the regions they were from. Despite the rain, bands played merrily, people cheered and flags waved.

 

Rongkäik.

The song festival procession started at 11am from Freedom Square. 

 

There were two events that took place at the Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak). The opening concert on Saturday showcased songs sung in the different Estonian dialects and Sunday was the main concert. I watched the Saturday concert on T.V. and was at the Song Festival Grounds on Sunday just after 2pm. Unfortunately it rained a lot while I was there. The ground became increasingly muddy as time passed, and  it wasn't pleasant walking around to look at the stalls or to buy food. 

 

One thing I realised about attending the song festival, is that not everyone arrives at 2pm when the event starts. Some people arrive early to secure a  good place to sit, whilst others trickle in during the day. I noticed a lot of people arrived after 4pm. Reviewing the day, the concert starts with band performances, followed by children singing. The really good partriotic songs are sung much later in the day.

 

 

The main concert started at 2pm and ended around 9:30pm. 

 

The rain did put a damper on the event during the first few hours. 

Later on the weather did improve. 

 

It was great to be back in Estonia for the song festival. It was wonderful to see so many Estonians come together, cherishing our language, history and culture. It was truly marvellous.

 

Like all my holidays to Estonia, no trip is complete without a suitcase full of goodie to take home with me. Vana Tallinn and Kalev chocolates are the essentials along with black bread. Lots of black bread and usually the darker the better!

70 years of Estonian television

Today marks seventy years since television was first introduced in Estonia. On the 19th of July 1955,  at 7:30pm Eesti Televisioon launched its first programme. The official TV show was broadcast from a Tallinn television station set up in Tallinn Radio House. At first the show was on Saturdays and Sundays then later airtime was extended to other days of the week. Today, the Estonian free-to-air television channel still operates and is commonly known as ETV.

Estonia is one of the coldest places on earth

Estonia is a beautiful country to visit all year round but if you dislike cold weather, it's best to avoid a trip during February. It's Estonia's coldest month. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Estonia is -43.5°C (-46°F). This record was set in Jõgeva on January 17, 1940.

Enterprising Estonian students create new edible birthday candles

Three students from Põlva High School have placed fourth at the Gen-E 2025 Festival held earlier this month in Greece. Isabella Puusepp, Agathe Ojasaar and Eliisa Villako impressed both the jury and audience at the European Junior Achievement Competition with their innovative edible candle design.

First inspired by traditional candles melting all over the birthday cake of one of the founders' twin siblings, the edible candles are made of chocolate and already on sale at a few locations in and around Põlva and Võru. The girls now plan to formally register their business 'Blouit' and expand sales across the country. You can read more about Blouit and the Gen-E 2025 Festival here

 

Edible birthday candles by Blouit

 

Isabella Puusepp, Agathe Ojasaar and Eliisa Villako 

Ta lendab mesipuu poole - XXVIII Laulupidu "Iseoma" (2025)

Several songs were performed twice during the Estonia Song Festival. Juhan Liiv's 'Ta lendab mesipuu poole (he flies to the beehive) was one of them. So many Estonians came back to the homeland to take part in the XXVIII laulupidu. Many people experienced the song festival for the first time, including 80 year old Esta from the United States. Her parents were Estonians who fled the country during WWII and it was her dream to always visit Estonia. This finally eventuated when her son bought her a ticket to Estonia for her birthday. It was Esta's first time visiting her ancestral homeland. The Estonian Song Festival is a beautiful display of Estonian unity and it was wonderful to see so many Estonians come together to celebrate.

    

 

 

'Mu Isamaa on Minu Arm' - The most emotionally stirring song at the Estonian Song Festival

 

 

XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Festival "Iseoma"

Tens of thousands of Estonians from across the world gathered in Tallinn last weekend to take part in the Estonian Song and Dance Festival. Despite the rain, nothing could dampen the Estonian spirit, it shone bright for all to see. The Estonian Song and Dance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most magical cultural events in the world. Estonian unity at its best!

 

 

 

 

Estonians beam with national pride this weekend

One of the most wonderful aspects of the Estonian Song and Dance Festival is to see expats return to the homeland to take part in the celebrations. Some of these people are second and third generation Estonians and the festival is just as important to them as their forebears.

Tantsupidu"ISEOMA" 2025

Tallinn is the place to be this weekend!

The Estonian Song and Dance Festival started yesterday and what an amazing weekend it is going to be.  It's truly wonderful see the Estonian national costume (rahvariided) worn with such pride. The beautiful colours and patterns reveal the different regions where Estonians come from. 

This weekend will be a time of great celebration, unity and national pride for Estonians. People from all around the world have made their way back to the homeland to take part in the festival. It will be a weekend we will never forget!

Photo flashback: 1938 Song Festival Procession

The 11th Estonian Song Festival was held in 1938. It was the last song festival before World War II and the Soviet occupation. This festival was notable as it was the first time Gustav Ernesaks conducted the choirs and his music was performed. 

 

 

The 11th Estonian Song Festival also saw a large increase in participants. 

Nearly 100,000 people were in attendance. 

 

What image best represents Talliinn?

I was in England last week and as I was reading the London Times I was pleased to find Tallinn featured in the travel section. As much as I love to see Estonia advertised as a travel destination, I am often disappointed when the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral is used to represent the city. This landmark is neither Estonian nor that old. The building was completed in 1900 and was scheduled to be demolished in 1929 after Estonia became independent. That plan was cancelled but there are discussions about its demolition or relocation again today.

So this poses the question, what image would be best used to represent Tallinn in travel articles? 

Tallinn is a beautiful old medieval city that dates back to the 13th century. It's a former Hanseatic Port, and it was a significant one at that, with stunning gothic architecture that still exists today. Tallinn is a city rich in history and many of its buildings and structures have been carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. 

When I think of Tallinn, I think of medieval towers with their red tiled roofs, the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) and the beautiful old buildings of the Old Town. If there were an image that encapsulates it all, it would have to be a cityscape view, where the towers and old buildings, church spires and view of the sea can all be seen. (I have yet to find the perfect photo).

Photo flashback: Estonian Song Festival in 1910

On this day in 1910. the VII Estonian Song Festival began in Tallinn. The event took place over three days from 25th –27th June 1910. For the first time, a party was held without a dedication to an imperial anniversary. The party procession started from the seashore near Russalka, then moved on to Kadriorg. From there governor Korostovetsi gave a greeting to the tsar and the imperial anthem was sung. The procession then continued to the party square at the end of today's Laulupeo street. 10,100 singers took part in the Song Festival that year.

 

 

Ceremonial flame of the Estonian Song and Dance Festival on relay around the country

The ceremonial flame for the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Festival "Iseoma" (Kinship) was lit in the park by the Estonian National Museum in Tartu on June 15 and is now on its way across the country. The torch, with its legendary flame, brings the spirit of the festival closer to everyone it passes during its journey to Tallinn. The torch will reach Tallinn on July 2 and the festival will take place from July 3-6.  It's a celebration not to be missed!

Head Jaanipäeva!

I hope everyone had a great time celebrating Jaanipäev last night. It's truly wonderful when old Estonian traditions are kept alive in the modern world. Soon we will all be celebrating again during the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration. Nothing compares to this unique festival when Estonians from all around the world return to the homeland to take part. Our hearts will be full of national pride. Not long to go now!

The Best Places to Visit In Estonia

Summer is finally here and there is no better place to visit than Estonia. Rich in history and culture with stunning nature, Estonia has an abundance of attractions. The only question is where to start. Here are some of the best places to visit in Estonia.

Estonian pride to soar this summer

The Estonian Song Festival is just a few weeks away — that rare and powerful event, held every five years, when typically reserved Estonians are transformed into a vibrant collective of emotion. There is no greater outward expression of Estonians' love for their homeland than this festival. It is a time of great celebration, unity, and a deep sense of belonging.

Estonians have much to be proud of, not only their ability to sing together in stunning harmony or the fact that they possess one of the world’s largest collections of folk songs. At the heart of it all is a profound connection to nature, to heritage, and to the Estonian language. The Estonian mindset is unique and different to other countries, shaped by centuries of wars, occupations, and plagues. Estonians are a self-reliant and resourceful people, known for making the most of what they have and keeping to themselves. 

In early July, Estonians from across the globe will return to the homeland, raising their voices in song to celebrate the richness of their language, culture, and traditions.

Elagu Eesti! Long live Estonia!

Voldemar Lender: The first ethnic Estonian to become mayor of Tallinn

115 years ago today, on 9th June 1906, Voldemar Lender became the first Estonian mayor of Tallinn. Previously, the mayors of Tallinn had either been Baltic Germans or Russians. Voldemar Lender was an engineer by profession who served as mayor for seven years until 1913 when Jaan Poska succeeded him. 

Voldemar Lender was known as the 'mayor who built a city'. His construction company built many one-and two-story wooden houses with symmetrical facades in Tallinn. These buildings were known as 'Lender houses' and were popular from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, many of them still standing today.

Lender's wife, Elfriede Lender (née Meikov), was a teacher who founded the first Estonian-speaking girls' school in Estonia. They had four children who also went on to lead successful careers.