Tartu to host its first-ever combined Song and Dance Festival

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Silver Gutmann

The week-long event from June 16 to June 22, will see nearly 2,300 dancers and almost 10,000 singers and musicians from Tartumaa come together, for dozens of different concerts and events, culminating in a grand song festival on Saturday, June 22, entitled “Õnn ja rõõm” (“Joy and Delight”).

The Tartu Song and Dance Celebration will begin on Sunday, June 16, with the traditional lighting of the torch at the Song Festival Grounds.

The theme of the 2024 Tartu Song and Dance Celebration, “Juure juures,” underscores the significance of connecting with our roots and ancestors. The narrative invites the audience to reflect on the wisdom passed down through generations and the questions we might ask our elders if given another chance.

The programme includes a diverse programme of concerts that includes traditional and new compositions, with highlights such as a new boys’ choir piece by Arno Tamme, Rasmus Puuri’s theme song, and Trad.Attack!’s “Tehke ruumi.” This year’s festival, which is one of the standout events of Tartu’s European Capital of Culture 2024 programme, aims to project Estonia’s rich traditions to the world.

With performances by 300 choirs, 150 dance groups, and 17 foreign Estonian groups, the combined Song and Dance Celebration will end on June 22. The final day’s festivities will begin with a grand procession from Vabaduse puiestee to the Song Festival Grounds, starting at 4 pm. Ending with the grand song festival entitled “Õnn ja rõõm” (“Joy and Delight” in English) – key lyrics from Estonia’s national anthem.

You can learn more about the full programme of the event on the official Tartu Song and Dance Celebration Website. 

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