This video was released recently and watching it moved me to tears. It captures the essence of the song festival beautifully. Estonians may be known for their reserved and serious nature and their stubborn refusal to show their emotions in public but when it comes to the song festival, all that changes. Singing has been at the centre of Estonian culture for centuries; it's the heartbeat of the nation, the glue that unites all Estonians. This year will see record numbers participating at the festival, including the descendants of exiled Estonians who are now scattered all over the world.
Monday, 30 June 2014
New! Estonian Song Celebration Video
This video was released recently and watching it moved me to tears. It captures the essence of the song festival beautifully. Estonians may be known for their reserved and serious nature and their stubborn refusal to show their emotions in public but when it comes to the song festival, all that changes. Singing has been at the centre of Estonian culture for centuries; it's the heartbeat of the nation, the glue that unites all Estonians. This year will see record numbers participating at the festival, including the descendants of exiled Estonians who are now scattered all over the world.
The Official Photo and Video Bank of Estonia
If you're ever in need of good quality photographs of Estonia then a visit to the 'Photo & Video Bank of Estonia' is a must. The website is part of Enterprise Estonia and offers images free of charge if used to promote Estonia. It's a great idea that benefits both parties and the collection is growing all the time. The website is divided into four main categories - tourism, business, education and video which makes it easy to navigate and find what you're looking for.
The Official Photo and Video Bank of Estonia can be found by clicking on the link below:
http://photos.visitestonia.com/eng/
The Official Photo and Video Bank of Estonia can be found by clicking on the link below:
http://photos.visitestonia.com/eng/
Saturday, 28 June 2014
Thousands Attracted to Estonia Folk Festival - BBC News
BBC's Damien McGuiness explores the history and preparations behind the Estonian Song Festival.
You can watch his video report here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021b8z6
You can watch his video report here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021b8z6
“All the good things in Estonia” – Children's Art Competition
Late last year President Ilves launched an art competition inviting Estonian children to submit entries to depict why they think Estonia is a good place to live. The contest, 'All the Good Things in Estonia' (Meie Eesti head asjad) received almost 12,000 drawings from children all over the country. More than fifty of these drawings will now be printed as outdoor posters and displayed in large towns across Estonia.
Further details can be found at the President's website.
http://www.president.ee/en/media/press-releases/9850-approximately-12000-drawings-were-sent-by-children-to-president-ilves-depicting-all-the-good-things-in-estonia/index.html
Judging from the quality of many entries, it's obvious Estonia has many talented young artists. Here are three of my favourites artworks from the competition.
Further details can be found at the President's website.
http://www.president.ee/en/media/press-releases/9850-approximately-12000-drawings-were-sent-by-children-to-president-ilves-depicting-all-the-good-things-in-estonia/index.html
Judging from the quality of many entries, it's obvious Estonia has many talented young artists. Here are three of my favourites artworks from the competition.
Digital Identity Cards: Estonia Takes The Plunge
An interesting article published in yesterday's edition of The Economist.
http://www.businessinsider.com/digital-identity-cards-estonia-takes-the-plunge-2014-6
Thursday, 26 June 2014
Friday, 20 June 2014
It's Almost Time - the 26th Estonian Song & 19th Dance Festival
It only happens once in year five years but now the time is upon us to celebrate one of Estonia's most cherished events - the 26th Estonian Song Festival.
The song festival is of profound significance to Estonians. The country's rich singing tradition has served as a 'cultural glue', bonding and galvanising the nation throughout the many occupations it has endured. The first song festival was held in Tartu in 1869 as was the second one before the event was permanently relocated to Tallinn.
Last Sunday at 4am the torch ceremony began, which saw the flame commence its 18 day journey from Tartu to Tallinn. When the torch arrives in Tallinn the flame will then be placed on a tower next to the stage at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.
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The song festival is of profound significance to Estonians. The country's rich singing tradition has served as a 'cultural glue', bonding and galvanising the nation throughout the many occupations it has endured. The first song festival was held in Tartu in 1869 as was the second one before the event was permanently relocated to Tallinn.
Last Sunday at 4am the torch ceremony began, which saw the flame commence its 18 day journey from Tartu to Tallinn. When the torch arrives in Tallinn the flame will then be placed on a tower next to the stage at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.
A record breaking 42,000 participants will take part in the Estonian Song and Dance Festival this year. During the three day event, 1046 choirs with 32000 singers will be present along with 654 dance groups.
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The 26th Estonian Song Festival runs from 4-6 July 2014. More information can be found at the official website. http://2014.laulupidu.ee/
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