What defines a nation? The Italians have their cuisine, the Americans have their ‘American Dream,' the Aussies have the ‘Outback,' but Estonians? Well, Estonians have the Song Festival. In case you’re not quite sure what a Song Celebration is, it’s a weekend of concerts by a giant choir of approximately 30,000 people, joined by a large group of onlookers that sing along with them. The power of these celebrations is not easy to describe, let’s just say that if you haven’t ever felt religion, you’ll feel it at an Estonian Song Celebration. Although this aural gathering may not be the most ancient of traditions, only having been first organised in Tartu in 1869, it has become well ingrained in the hearts and souls of Estonians around the world for many generations. Since 1896 the celebration has been held in Tallinn and currently takes place every 5 years, with the “Youth Song and Dance Celebration” held every alternate 5 years. The celebration now incorporates a folk-dance celebration, which was first held in 1934. The ‘Song and Dance Celebrations’ is considered of such cultural importance that it has become part of UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This year’s event, which carries the title “The Land of my Fathers, the Land that I Love", will mark the 150th anniversary of the Song Celebration and 85th anniversary of the Dance Festival, making this the 150th Estonian Song and Dance Jubilee Year. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the first fire, which is lit in Tartu and then carried to Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds. The raw emotion and all-embracing song, unites the hearts and minds of the people here like nothing else and can stop armies. Estonia is indeed a singing and dancing nation and you’re invited to join in regardless if you know the words or can dance the steps.

PROGRAMME
July 04, Thursday
19:00 Dance Celebration at Kalev Central Stadium.

July 05, Friday
11:00 Dance Celebration at Kalev Central Stadium
14:00 Dance Celebration at Kalev Central Stadium
18:00 Folk music concert at Kalev Central Stadium

July 06, Saturday
13:00 Procession.
The route of the about 5-kilometer-long procession has its beginning in the centre of townand ends at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Everyone can follow the procession without a ticket. Procession ends at 18.00.
19:00 Song Celebration 1st concert 'To the Teacher' at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.
The beginning of the concert is estimated. The concert will begin right after the end of the procession.

July 07, Sunday
14:00 Song Celebration 2nd concert at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.