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.

Please check the official homepage for the programme.