We know Estonia
30.1.2023 | Culture

Today is Estonian Literature Day

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Andrei Chertkov

Today is Estonian Literature Day

 

Today, January 30, marks Estonian Literature Day.  The day, which is growing in popularity, will be marked by a number of events celebrating Estonian literature and the importance of writers in culture and society. 

Estonian Literature Day 2023, began with a flag-raising ceremony at Pikk Hermann Tower in Tallinn at dawn this morning, where President Alar Karis made a speech along with Estonian literature teacher of the year winner Sirje Nootre. This year is the first in which Estonian Literature Day will be celebrated as a nationwide flag day.

January 30, also marks the birthday of one of Estonia’s most celebrated writers, Anton Hansen-Tammsaare (1878-1940).

“As a result of the remarkable work of the Tallinn Literary Centre, the anniversary of Tammsaare’s birth has turned into a momentous anniversary and now also a flag day, when, at least for a moment, our literature is at the centre of everything,” said Kaarel Oja, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.

This year will also see the awarding of the Tammsaare Novel Prize. The prestigious award, which is only given once every five years, will see the winner receive a 4000 euro prize. 

To mark the day, it will also be possible to visit the Tammsaare, Vilde and Mati Unt museums of the Tallinn Literary Centre for just 1 euro. The museums will be open from 11 am until 5 pm today. There will also be a “Twilight Disco” at the Tammsaare Monument in Tammsaare Park at 5 pm.

For those with children or who are learning the language, the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre invites you to read Eno Raud’s classic story, Three Jolly Fellows (Naksitrallid). 

 

Source Tallinn City Government 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Alar Karis Anton Hansen-Tammsaare Estonian Literature Day Kaarel Oja Tallinn Literary Centre Tammsaare Tammsaare Novel Prize

22.3.2023 | Culture

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra to perform in Tallinn on May 9

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra to perform in Tallinn on May 9

On Europe Day on May 9, a concert will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. … Read more

16.3.2023 | Culture

New observation deck and glass elevator have opened at Niguliste Church in Tallinn

New observation deck and glass elevator have opened at Niguliste Church in Tallinn

The long-awaited glass elevator and new skydeck have now opened in the historic church tower of the Niguliste Museum … Read more

15.3.2023 | Culture

Tallinn Music Week announces its full program for this year’s festival – 176 artists from 41 countries will perform

Tallinn Music Week announces its full program for this year’s festival – 176 artists from 41 countries will perform

The popular Tallinn Music Week (TMW), which will be held this year from May 10-14, has announced its full … Read more

14.3.2023 | Culture

Today is Native Language Day – 243 different languages are spoken in Estonia as a mother tongue

Today is Native Language Day – 243 different languages are spoken in Estonia as a mother tongue

Today is Native Language Day (emakeelepäeval, in Estonian). As well as Estonian and Russian, a total of 241 other … Read more

8.3.2023 | Culture

Swedish band Mustasch will return to Estonia on September 13

Swedish band Mustasch will return to Estonia on September 13

On September 13, one of the best live bands in the world, Mustasch, will perform in Tallinn. A very … Read more

6.3.2023 | Culture

camera icon8
A celebratory exhibition of a respected interior designer has opened in the center of Tallinn

A celebratory exhibition of a respected interior designer has opened in the center of Tallinn

Last week, an exhibition honouring the 81st birthday of celebrated Estonian interior and furniture designer Maile Grünberg opened in … Read more

5.3.2023 | Culture

camera icon8
Victoria Olt Gallery celebrates its first birthday with a glamorous spring exhibition

Victoria Olt Gallery celebrates its first birthday with a glamorous spring exhibition

On Friday, a new spring exhibition entitled “Naissance II” opened at the Victoria Olt Gallery in Tallinn. Various styles … Read more

3.3.2023 | Culture

An exhibition of the greatest works of Finnish modernist art opens tomorrow at Kadriorg Art Museum

An exhibition of the greatest works of Finnish modernist art opens tomorrow at Kadriorg Art Museum

A new exhibition entitled “The Dance of Colours: Finnish Modernist Art” openes tomorrow at the Kadriorg Art Museum in … Read more