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.
