Tallinn Celebrates Its 777th Year as a City

Text Stewart Johnson

Photo Visit Tallinn / Kaupo Kalda

 

In honour of being granted the Lübeck city rights in 1248, which officially classified Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, as a city, festivities will be held throughout the Old Town and the rest of the city on 15 May. Events include guided tours, hikes, sports, a parade, and of course: concerts! The official theme of this year’s anniversary is “History Lives Here”.

 

Freedom Square

Vabaduse väljak, or Freedom Square, will host free events for the public starting at 11:00, with a football show, followed an hour and a half later with a massive orienteering game. Later that evening, at 20:00, the Tallinn Police Orchestra, directed by Riivo Jõgi, will give a concert with special guests—the legendary Metsatöll.

 

Old Town

Guided tours of the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads will be available from 12–16 May, including on Tallinn Day itself.

Town Hall Square will see Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski presiding over the official opening ceremonies, followed by an open-door day for the Town Hall itself.

Guided tram tours will be available throughout the day. The English tour is at 18:00, and tickets are €1 each, available only by advance purchase here. The tour will last one and a half hours, and is not suitable for small children, as there will be no stops.

 

Nõmme

For students from 8th to 12th grades, the Tour d’Nõmme (have fun pronouncing that!) bicycle tour will start at noon. A live DJ will perform at 14:00, followed at 15:00 with a concert by villemdrillem.

 

Haabersti

An athletic family day featuring a children’s song festival performance, and tree-planting.

 

Põhja-Tallinn

A parade and picnic starting at 11:00, followed by a trivia game about Tallinn.

 

Mustamäe

At 18:00 there will be a concert by Estonian superstar Uku Suviste.

 

Pirita

The ruins of the Pirita convent will be open to the public free of charge. at 16:40 there will be a concert by Stefan, of Eurovision fame.

 

Kristiine

Also at 18:00, there will be a joint concert by Mikk Saar and Marek Sadam.

 

Tallinn Day 777 will be a wonderful opportunity to explore all the districts of Tallinn, and especially the Old Town. You never know what special festivity you might find around every corner!

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Concerts Events in Tallinn Guided Tour Old town Tallinn Tallinn Day