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Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and resilient country of Estonia on February 24 for Independence Day! This important holiday marks the day in 1918 when Estonia declared its independence from Russia, after centuries of foreign rule. Despite facing challenges throughout its history, Estonia has emerged as a thriving nation known for its advancements in technology and culture. On this day, Estonians come together to honor their past and look towards a bright future filled with freedom and progress. Let's join in on the celebration and raise a glass to Estonia's independence!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 24, 1918, the Salvation Committee declared Estonia's independence from Russia, marking the first Estonian Independence Day. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Soviet Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia, and Independence Day celebrations were suspended for the next fifty years.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>German Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the World War II, Germany occupied Estonia from 1941-1944, still the Independence Day remained unacknowledged.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Restoration of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union on August 20, 1991, paving way for the reinstatement of Independence Day celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Post-Soviet Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 24, 1992, Estonia celebrated its Independence Day for the first time in over 50 years since it was last freely celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, Estonian Independence Day is a major nationwide celebration marked with speeches, parades, and other festive activities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Estonia Independence Day by attending a parade in your local community. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and show your pride for Estonia's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an Estonian-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for an Estonian-themed party. Serve traditional Estonian dishes, play Estonian music, and decorate with the colors of the Estonian flag.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Estonian history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history and culture of Estonia. This can include reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums that focus on Estonian heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant an Estonian flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Estonia by planting an Estonian flag in your yard or on your balcony. This is a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate the country's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community for any cultural events celebrating Estonia Independence Day. This could include concerts, art exhibits, or traditional dance performances.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Estonian Independence Day marks the day that Estonia declared its independence from Russia in 1918 and became a sovereign nation. It's a chance to reflect on the value of freedom and the bravery of those who fought for it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Rich cultural traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As with any national holiday, there are numerous traditions associated with Estonian Independence Day. From flag-raising ceremonies to parades and performances showcasing traditional songs and dances, it's a beautiful celebration of Estonian culture and heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bonding with loved ones</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is a time for families and friends to come together and share in the celebration. It's an opportunity to appreciate quality time with loved ones, while also showing gratitude for our country and all it has to offer.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Estonia's song festivals have contributed to its independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Estonia's Song Festival is an important part of the independence narrative, as it served as a form of peaceful protest against Soviet rule. It remains a display of national unity and pride to this day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day was first celebrated while under German occupation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before the full onset of WWII, the first anniversary of Estonian Independence was observed on February 24, 1940, under German occupation. It was a brave show of resistance and national pride.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An important element: the Blue-Black-White flag</h3><p class='facts-content'>Estonians associate their national flag with freedom and independence. This flag, hoisted in 1884, was forbidden during the Soviet era but its colors were used secretly to sustain national unity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Modern Estonia is known as e-Estonia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since its independence restoration, Estonia has become one of the world's most digitally advanced nations, offering extensive online services for citizens and e-residency for foreign entrepreneurs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tartu Peace Treaty laid the groundwork for Estonia’s independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Tartu Peace Treaty, signed on February 2, 1920, ended the War of Independence and Russia recognized Estonia's independence. This foundational document continues to be revered in modern Estonia.</p></div></div>
Estonia Independence Day is celebrated on February 24 every year. In 2024 Estonia Independence Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Feb 24
Friday
2024
Feb 24
Saturday
2025
Feb 24
Monday
2026
Feb 24
Tuesday
2027
Feb 24
Wednesday
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