Europe Day Celebrated in Estonia
Text Stewart Johnson Photo Raigo Pajula
Europe Day is a massive celebration of unity observed throughout the continent, and all across Estonia. Attendees to this free event can attend seminars, visit booths of EU member countries’ embassies, compete in a Europe-themed orienteering game, and enjoy a free concert in the evening on Freedom Square.
The European Union celebrates Europe Day each year on 9 May. This is the 61st anniversary of the event, which marks the Schuman Declaration. This was originally presented in 1950, where Robert Schuman signified his dream of a Europe united by peace, integration, and democratic values.
During the Europe Day event on Freedom Square in Tallinn, visitors can explore the large, covered tent full of booths of the various EU member countries. Each country presents its culture, cuisine, and additional information about the country, such as history, language, and fun facts. This year’s theme is “Our Estonia, Our Europe”.
There will also be a public seminar from noon until 13:30 consisting of presentations by well-known people. Previous guests have included the Prime Minister in person! Attendees can ask questions about the future of Estonia, and the future of Europe as well.
From 18:00 until 21:00 on Freedom Square, there will be a free concert (which will also be broadcast live on national television!). The main performers are an impressive lineup. 5MIINUST and Puuluup, who were last year’s Estonian entry to the Eurovision Song Contest, will take the stage. Estonian superstar NOËP will also perform. And finally, Daði Freyr of Iceland, who represented his country in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, will add an international twist to the concert.
Europe Day events will also take place in Tartu, Pärnu, Narva, and several other locations all around Estonia. It is important to note there will be several such events in the northeastern part of the country. In the days leading up to Europe Day, there will also be various events, lectures, and concerts in Estonian (and Russian) throughout the country. More information is available here (in Estonian).
To learn more about this and similar topics5MIINUST Concert European Union Europe Day Events in Estonia Events in Tallinn NOËP Puuluup