The Estonian Song and Dance Festival (Laulu- ja tantsupidu) that takes place every five years is a rite of passage for Estonians and Estophiles in the world. It’s a celebration of our land and nation; our language, songs, composers, and singers; our dances and folk costumes; and our stories.
For someone completely un-initiated in anything Estonian, it would provide a wonderfully comprehensive foundation of active knowledge about who Estonians are as people. For those of us who have grown up with this culture, attending is like filling up our proverbial cups, like a comforting return home.
As the Estonian Song and Dance Festival returns this summer, from Thursday July 3rd to Sunday July 6th, 2025, we are, however, invited to contemplate a fresh theme surrounding the Estonian identity: “iseoma”, or “kinship.”
As the festival writes, “At the time of the very first Estonian Song Celebration in 1869, the country was in the midst of an age of awakening—a unification of a nation once divided by dialects but now connected by a standardized written language… Over the years, we have collectively nurtured and passed down the tradition of expressing this love through song and dance. At the same time, we recognize that we are individuals, each distinct in our own way. Alike, but different.” It’s with this understanding of Estonia’s own range of distinct cultural traditions and languages that singers and dancers from across Estonia (and indeed, across the world) have been invited to perform.
Those who have managed to secure tickets can expect a full itinerary, with three dance performances at Kalev Central Stadium in Tallinn and two days at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The first dance performance is at 7:00 p.m. on July 3rd, then at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on July 4th, with a folk music concert in between that same day in Vabaduse Square at 2:00 p.m.
On July 5th, participants will walk from Vabaduse Square to the Tallinn Song Festival Ground at 1:00 p.m., leading to the opening concert at 7:30 p.m. Concluding the festival is the main, seven-hour concert at 2:00 p.m. on July 6th.
The presentation of music alone will be extraordinary, with children’s choirs, male choirs, female choirs, mixed choirs, a wind orchestra, and a symphony orchestra all coming together in unison. This includes around 30,000 singers, plus approximately 80,000 audience members.
Not only is 2025 the 28th song celebration and the 21st dance celebration, it’s the 13th ESTO, the Global Estonian Cultural Days. First held in Toronto in 1972, the festival has grown into an event that unites Estonian communities worldwide. This year’s ESTO will take place from June 26th to July 2nd, spanning three cities: Stockholm (June 26th – 27th). Narva (June 28th to 30th), and Tallinn (July 1st and 2nd). The festivities will include a handicraft fare, literary and artistic seminars, exhibitions, cruise ship voyages, the “Multilingualism Opens Doors” Youth Congress, 5k and 10k runs through Narva, excursions to historic sites, a volleyball tournament, concerts, and several pub nights that will prove beneficial for networking and making friends.
several pub nights, events in Narva, including a. The festival will culminate in Tallinn, aligning with Estonia's renowned Song and Dance Festival, offering participants a rich blend of cultural experiences. Over seven days, you’ll collect enough “firsts” and life experiences to fill a whole year of Estonian cultural activity.
While we’re thinking about this summer’s activities, we can’t forget the importance of clothing—traditional Estonian clothing to be specific. Given that you’ll be attending all kinds of Estonian spectacles and other events, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to purchase some authentic knitwear and folk costumes made by Kodukäsitöö (Pikk 22, Tallinn, 10133, info@crafts.ee).
Founded in 1994, Kodukäsitöö states “We consider national handicrafts important as a cultural phenomenon and a source of livelihood. We preserve and carry forward national handicraft traditions: traditional alongside new creations. Our Tallinn handicraft shops feature the products of more than 200 craftsmen and companies. We make national knitwear and folk costumes to order.”
It can be very difficult to assemble all of the correct garment pieces for a folk costume while living overseas, short of inheriting something or making it yourself. But if you’re travelling to Estonia, Kodukäsitöö can simplify the process of acquiring a full, proper folk costume. After sending an initial email to silja@folkart.ee, a solution for your folk costume needs can be determined.
There are also many high quality existing garments available in their store, such as Kihnu sweaters, a Mulgimaa folk costume-inspired jacket, scarves, mittens, woven belts, hats, slippers, pillowcases, and brooches. You’ll also find yarn and educational books to advance your own textile projects.
As we get excited about the long, festive summer ahead, be sure to look through this entire special issue of Eesti Elu / Estonian Life and make note of things that sound appealing to you. Travelling to Estonia requires a lot of effort and money, so if you’re going to Estonia, you might as well maximize every day there, collecting memories and quality goods to bring back home!
