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Holidays
2008 Estonian Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 24 - Independence Day
This was the day in 1918 of the declaration of the founding of the Republic of Estonia. Estonia declared it’s indepence at this time. The declaration was drafted by Päästekomitee (The Salvation Committee), which was then approved by Maapäev, a Provisional National Council of 6 members. After this the Päästekomite made a the declaration public. During this time the Soviets were retreating and the forces of Germany were advancing on Estonia. After a war with both forces, Estonia’s borders were secure. March 21 – Good Friday
March 23 - Easter Sunday
May 1 - Spring Day
May 11 - Pentecost
June 23 - Võidupüha (Victory Day)
This marks the day in Estonian history that the Baltic Germans were defeated by the military forces of Estonia. The Baltic Germans were trying to regain the control they once had over this country, but they were defeated on this day in 1919. One of the traditions connected with this holiday is the searching of one blossom of the sõnajala õis (fern) by young people.
June 24 - St. John’s Day or Midsummer Day (Jannipäev)
This day is celebrated by bonfires on the night of the 23rd of June into the early morning hours of the 24th. This is the time when there is not much darkness, and the twilight of the 23rd seems to meet with the dawn of the 24th. Dancing, singing and grilled food are a big part of the celebration. Old games are also played. People will come with their tents and stay overnight. One for example is seeing how far one can throw a man’s large boot. Guest singers and performers are invited from other countries to attend these bonfire celebrations. In most places the bonfires are lit at about 8pm. Wood and branches and tree stumps are gathered throughout the year in preparation for this holiday in Estonia.
August 20 - Day of Restoration of Independence
This is the day in 1991 of the second independence of the nation of Estonia. Estonia was one of three countires in the Baltics that once again gained their indepedence from the Soviet union.December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day National Estonian Holidays
January 6 - Epiphany
February 2 - Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty
On this day in 1920, the Soviet Union recognized that Estonia was an independent nation, and the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed recognizing this.March 14 - Native Language Day
May 11 - Mother's Day
June 4 - National Flag Day
June 14 - Day of Mourning and commemoration
The deaths and deportations of over 60,000 Estonians to Siberia in the 1940's is commemorated on this day.
September 22 - Resistance Fighting Day
On this day in 1944, Tallinn was occupied by the Soviets, and the Estonian flag was ripped from it's place and replaced by the Soviet flag.November 2 - All Souls Day
November 9 - Father’s Day
November 16 - Day of Declaration of Sovereignty
The day in 1988 when Estonian laws were declared to have precedence over Soviet laws.© Copyright 2008 iTravelEstonia.com.
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