Independence Restoration Day in Estonia

Independence Restoration Day in Estonia, celebrated on August 20th, marks the date in 1991 when Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union after decades of occupation. The day is a public holiday in Estonia and is known as "taasiseseisvumispäev" in Estonian.

History:

• Initial Independence: Estonia first declared independence from Russia on February 24, 1918.
• Soviet Occupation: In 1940, Estonia was forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union.
• Singing Revolution: Starting in the late 1980s, a series of peaceful political movements known as the "Singing Revolution" began, which led to the restoration of independence.
• Restoration: On August 20, 1991, the Estonian Supreme Council declared full independence following an attempted coup in Moscow. The international community soon recognized Estonia's sovereignty.

Traditions:

On Independence Restoration Day, various events and activities take place across Estonia:

• Flag Hoisting: The national flag is raised all over the country to symbolize freedom and patriotism.
• Concerts and Performances: Public concerts with traditional music and dance celebrate Estonian culture.
• Speeches & Ceremonies: Government officials make speeches; formal ceremonies are held to honor those who contributed to Estonia's independence.
• Family Gatherings: Families often gather for meals or picnics to spend time together on this day off work.

Activities:

People engage in several activities to mark this occasion:

• Attending or watching live broadcasts of official events and fireworks displays.
• Participating in or observing local parades and festivals that showcase Estonian heritage.
• Visiting memorials or museums dedicated to history and those who fought for independence.

Overall, Independence Restoration Day is a significant national holiday for Estonians that celebrates both their historical struggle for freedom and their contemporary national identity.