The 108th birthday of the Republic of Estonia

On Tuesday the 24th of February 2026 the Republic of Estonia will celebrate its 108th birthday. The day will begin with the ceremonial raising of the national flag in the Governor's Garden at Toompea. The flag will be raised at 7:32 a.m. accompanied by the national anthem.

This year the anniversary parade will be held at Freedom Square in Tallinn. The event will start at 12 noon with military units lining up from 11am. The parade will be received by Estonian President Alar Karis and will be led by the Commander of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo. The units participating in the parade will be sending a clear message to the world, that the Estonian Defence Forces are disciplined, well organised, highly motivated and equipped to protect Estonia's statehood.

 

 

On Independence Day the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom will open early at 8:30am for anyone who wishes to come directly after the national flag hoisting ceremony. More information can be found here.

 

Estonia 8th in the world for Economic Freedom

In the 2025 Economic Freedom Index released by The Heritage Foundation, Estonia was ranked 8th in the world and is considered “mostly free”. With a score of 78.9 out of 100, Estonia's rating has increased by 1.1 points from last year, and ranks 5th out of 44 countries in the Europe region. Estonia’s economic freedom score is higher than the world and regional averages. In comparison, the world's largest economy, the United States, ranked 26th place in the index.

Vanilla Ninja to represent Estonia at Eurovision

Last night, Estonian girl band Vanilla Ninja won Eesti Laul with their song 'Too Epic to be True' and will go on to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May.

Vanilla Ninja originally formed in 2002 as a four-piece girl band with members Lenna Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis, Katrin Siska and Maarja Kivi. The band has released five albums and had a string of hit songs, most popular in Estonia, Germany and Austria. Band members have changed over the years with Vanilla Ninja now a trio, consisting of Lenna Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis and Kerli Kivilaan.

2026 will be the first time Vanilla Ninja will represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2005 they did take part in the competition, representing Switzerland with their song 'Cool Vibes'. They came 8th place in the competition. 

Fun fact for Valentine's Day

Which European Union countries imported the most roses from other EU countries per capita in 2024?

Happy Valentine's Day!

In Estonia Valentine's Day is known as 'Sõbrapäev' (Friend's Day). It is a day not only reserved for romantic love, but a celebration of friendship, kindness, and affection for friends and family. On Sõbrapäev hand written cards are exchanged, flowers are given as well as heart-shaped chocolates and sweets. It is a day to show those nearest to you that you care.

For the past four years in Estonia there has been a nationwide initiative called "Estonia's Biggest Hearts". It's a  competition to form the largest heart-shaped human chain in honour of Valentine's Day. This year a total of 45 local governments and over 6,000 people participated in the event. Last year, Narva set the record, with 489 people joining hands, and they might win again this year with over 600 Narva residents participating. Great effort went into making the heart perfectly symmetrical.

 

Narva residents form heart-shaped human chain for Valentine's Day.
 

Ice-roads officially open in Estonia

A 17-kilometer-long ice road was officially opened by the Transport Administration on Sunday between Estonia's biggest islands, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, to give islanders an alternative route to the mainland as ferry services struggle with sea ice. To ensure safety on the 24-centimeter-thick route, drivers must adhere to strict protocols, including a ban on seatbelts to allow for emergency exits and a mandatory "speed gap" between 20 and 40 kph to prevent destructive ice vibrations. Ice-roads have cultural significance in Estonia but due to the recent mild winters, they have not been open for the past eight years.

Estonia: A truly 'switched on' country

Estonia introduced online voting in 2005.  For over twenty years Estonians have chosen not stand in long queues at polling stations, but instead, vote in the privacy of their own home that only takes minutes. Fast, efficient e-services is what makes Estonia shine above the rest!