Dutch & Latvian team to design Estonia's first movable pedestrian bridge in Tallinn

A team comprising Witteveen+Bos, plein06 and Novarc Group recently won a global competition to design Estonia's first movable pedestrian bridge in the old harbor of the Tallinn capital. Their winning scheme, “New Balance 100” — whose name pays tribute to the country's ongoing centennial celebration — was chosen for its aesthetic form and technical balancing solutions. According to the team, the bridge is currently scheduled for completion in late 2018.

To learn more, please click here: Estonia's first movable pedestrian bridge in Tallinn

Video: Tartu - the City and Beyond (2017)

Lydia Koidula & the 100 kroon Estonian banknote

A banknote collector recently contacted me with an interesting question. He asked if I had an English translation for the text written on the back of the old 100 kroon Estonian banknote. I must admit I didn't know the answer off the top of my head, but I soon found out!

The extract is taken from the poem 'Unenägu' (Dream) written by Estonian poet Lydia Koidula. 

English translation

United stand the ends of the bridge (Silla otsad ühendatud)

Bearing a single fatherland (Kandes ühte isamaad)

The truth´s temple hallowed … (Tõe templiks pühendatud …)

Dream – when shalt thou become true?! (Nägu – millal tõeks saad?!)

'Unenägu' (Dream) was written by Lydia Koidula in 1881.

Juhan Liiv's poem 'Ta lendab mesipuu poole' (He flies to the beehive)

Juhan Liiv (30 April 1864 - 1 December 1913) is one of Estonia's most famous poets. His poem  'Ta lendab mesipuu poole' (He flies to the beehive) is often sung at the Estonian Song Festive. It's a soul touching song loved by many. The below image features text taken from the first verse.

English translation:

He flies from flower to flower

And flies toward the bee tree;

And the frock shines up -

He flies toward the bee tree.

And thousands also fall on the road:

Thousands are coming home

And they will endeavor and care

And fly to the bee tree.

Juhan Liiv - Ta lendab mesipuu poole (1910)

Ta lendab lillest lillesse

ja lendab mesipuu poole;

ja tõuseb kõuepilv ülesse —

ta lendab mesipuu poole.

Ja langevad teele ka tuhanded:

veel koju jõuavad tuhanded

ja viivad vaeva ja hoole

ja lendavad mesipuu poole.

Kuis süda mul tuksud sa rahuta,

kuis kipud sa isamaa poole!

Kesk kodumaad — siiski nii koduta,

mis ihkad sa tema poole!

kuis püüad sa välja kahtlusest,

kuis ikka leiad sa tema eest,

kuis rõhub rusuja voole

sind, tungides tema poole!

Oh sina, kes oled sa väljamaal,

kuis õhkad sa isamaa poole!

kes väljamaal oled raskel a'al —

kuis ihkad sa tema poole!

Ja puhugu vastu sul surmatuul

ja lennaku vastu surmakuul —

hing tõuseb isamaa poole!

Ei ole sa, süda, väljamaal,

kust ihkaks sa kodu poole.

Sa oled kodu, kesk isamaa raal

ja otsid teed tema poole.

Teed otsin, oh teed otsin ma

ja suren ja ärkan tund tunniga:

kuid kuhu mind viskab ka voole:

hing tõuseb säält sinu poole.

Estonia in the European Union

Estonian Youth Song and Dance Festival 2017

So much joy filled the streets of Tallinn over the weekend during the 12th Youth Song and Dance Festival. There were many smiles, flowers, Estonian flags and beautiful clothes seen everywhere that it was easy to get carried away by the amazing atmosphere. 

This year's theme of the Youth Song and Dance Celebration is 'Mina Jään'  - Here I`ll stay.

Nearly 40,000 performers shared their love of song, dance and the Estonian homeland at the festival.

Estonian youth choirs from 17 countries participated in the event.

The beautiful tri-colour Estonian flag waved with pride.

Despite the rain on Saturday and the cancellation of the second show, some dancers decided to carry-on and did a spontaneous performance at Freedom Square. 

Performers range from the age of 7 - 27 years.

The song and dance festival is a truly wonderful Estonian tradition dating back to 1869. In 2019 we will see some more amazing performances at the adult version of the festival. 2019 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Estonian Song Festvial 

If you missed this year's song festival, you can watch it here: 

XII Youth Song Festival and procession

Estonia Assumes the European Union Presidency

Estonia holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time from 1st July 2017 until the end of December. Taking over the leadership of this role is important for the Estonian state and its people. On Thursday a grand concert took place on Freedom Square to mark the start of the presidency. 

Performers include popular Estonian artists and groups: Vaiko Eplik, Kadri Voorand and Mari Jürjens with the Estonian Cello Ensemble, Kukerpillid, Genka, Winny Puhh, Estonian Voices, NOËP, Frankie Animal and Miljardid. The audience was greeted by Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission and Jüri Ratas, the Prime Minister of Estonia.

President Tusk surprised the audience with a poem spoken in perfect Estonian  

'Me laheme läbi mere!' at the concert.

You can watch concert here via ERR News: Opening concert of Estonia's 2017 EU presidency

Estonia is committed to a strong and unified European Union. As a leader in digital innovation, Estonia will pave the way forward in the digital sphere. The Estonian government recently approved the programme for the EU presidency, you can view it here: www.eu2017.ee/programme