Today in history

90 years ago today, on August 30, 1936, a memorial monument dedicated to writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare was unveiled in front of the Albu Municipal Hall. Tammsaare himself did not attend the event, either out of modesty or he was offended about a farm he was rumoured to receive as a gift for his 60th birthday, that it was given to Olympic champion Palusalu instead. A record book was signed by all people who attended the unveiling of the monument and it has been preserved in the local area. I was very pleased to view the record book in 2014 and saw the signature of my great-grandfather Arthur Lesthal. Arthur was both the village photographer aad bookkeeper at the Albu Muncipal Hall.

Photo flashback: Narva-Jõesuu 1890

This beautiful colourised photograph of a family in Narva-Jõesuu was taken in1890.

New 2 euro coin dedicated to Kõpu Lighthouse

A new coin featuring Hiiumaa's Kõpu Lighthouse will be released by the Bank of Estonia next year. The coin will be part of a new series 'Counties of Estonia'. The new two euro coin series will highlight the variety and cultural uniqueness of the different regions in Estonia.

The coin for Hiiumaa will be the first in the series and depicts Kõpu Lighthouse which is one of the oldest still operating lighthouses in the World. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1504 and was completed in 1531. Hiiumaa is known for its unique landscapes and long maritime traditions.

Kaupo Kangro designed the coin and one million coins will go into circulation next year.

Fun facts:

World's Oldest Operating Lighthouses

1. Tower of Hercules (A Coruña, Spain) Built in the 1st century AD by the Roman Empire.

2. Hook Lighthouse (County Wexford, Ireland) Built around 1210 to 1245.

3. Kõpu Lighthouse (Hiiumaa, Estonia) Functioning continuously since 1531.

4. Lantern of Genoa (Genoa, Italy) The current towering stone structure was built in 1543 (replacing earlier versions on the same site dating back to 1128) and remains a functioning beacon and symbol of the port city.

5. Cordouan Lighthouse (Gironde estuary, France) Known as the "King of Lighthouses," construction began in 1584 and finished in 1611.

No Estonian celebration is complete without a glass of Vana Tallinn

While Estonia's Restoration of Independence Day officially fell on Thursday, August 20 this year, many cultural events and community gatherings took place on the weekend for the Estonian diaspora. The iconic Vana Tallinn liqueur that was created in Estonia in 1960 is very popular drink amongst Estonians living at home and abroad during times of celebration.

Estonian Facts and Figures: 1991 vs. 2025

35th anniversary of Estonia's Restoration of Independence

Today marks 35 years since Estonia made the bold move to restore its independence after enduring fifty years of Soviet occupation, On the 20th of August 1991, Estonia's Supreme Council took actions that affirmed the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia that was established in 1918. Estonia was once again a free and sovereign nation. August 20  is a day of great celebration not only for people living in Estonia, but for all Estonians living around the world. 

According to official data from Statistics Estonia, 37.1% of Estonia's population is under the age of 35. This means that roughly one third of Estonia's population was born in a free country and has no personal experience of living under the Soviet regime. For older Estonians, however, this period is still in living memory. 

Happy Independence Day everyone! Taasiseseisvumispäev!

Richard Quest explores Estonia's digital revolution

Richard Quest also tests a lucky tradition in Tallinn.