“Estonia’s centenary, our united day of celebration, is at hand,” Jaanus Rohumaa, Head of the Organising Committee of Estonia 100 said. “Estonians can sometimes seem to have a northerly chilly demeanour, but on an occasion as important as today, we could heed the call to action of our beloved conductor. Let’s give the people we care about the gift of a hug tonight at 20:18.”
According to Margus Kasterpalu, Head of Estonia 100 major events at the Government Office, we have reached the pinnacle of the centenary week. “The story of the birth of the Estonian nation has not been an easy one, but therefore we can feel all the more proud of our state. Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia with celebrations all over Estonia.”
In Tallinn:
At 7:33 everyone is awaited at Toompea Hill in the Governor’s Garden (Kuberneri Aed) for the official state flag raising ceremony.
At 9:00 flowers will be placed by the War of Independence Memorial on Freedom Square. Prime Minister Jüri Ratas will speak.
At 11:00 the Defence Forces parade will begin on Freedom Square.
At 12:00 a selection of military vehicles will be on display on Freedom Square.
In Paide:
At 13:45 an open-air ceremony will begin, where Foreign Minister Sven Mikser, Mayor Priit Värk and historian Ründo Mülts will speak. The “Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia” (Declaration of Independence) will be read aloud.
At 14:30 the official Independence Day church service will be held at Paide church.
In Tõrva:
At 15:00 the central square in Tõrva, which was renovated as part of the Estonia 100 architecture programme “Good Public Space”, will be officially opened.
In Tartu:
At 18:30 the official Independence Day reception and concert hosted by President Kersti Kaljulaid and her husband will take place at the Estonian National Museum.
Across Estonia people will HUG at 20:18.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the anniversary of independence will be celebrated for the first time as an entire week of events from 19-25 February. An overview of the centenary week programme can be found at https://www.ev100.ee/en/estonia-100-centennial-week
View photos of Estonia’s centenary week here www.flickr.com/ev100
Download the Estonia 100 official app https://www.ev100.ee/en/teliaapp