Tartu to celebrate the 104th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia
Tartu City Government Press Release
/ The City of Tartu traditionally presents the title of Honorary Citizen of Tartu and Tartu Täht decorations on the eve of the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, and organises a ceremony to honour the Estonian flag at the University of Tartu Old Observatory on the morning of 24 February.
At 11.00, the Tartu Defence League district formation marking the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will begin on Town Hall Square, followed by a public celebration.
According to Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas, the pandemic has either forced the cancellation of or changes to the format and content of several traditional events in recent years. ‘For the second year in a row, the ceremony and concert dedicated to the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, during which we recognise the recipients of Tartu decorations, is being held without an audience. However, this heart-warming event will be broadcast live for everyone in Tartu to enjoy.’ He added that the festive mood can be enjoyed in the open air at the traditional anniversary celebrations at the Kalevipoeg memorial statue and the Old Observatory, as well as at Town Hall Square. ‘I invite all of the people of Tartu to display flags outside of their homes,’ said the mayor.
On Tuesday, 22 February at 19:00, everyone interested is invited to watch the live broadcast of the evening honouring the presentation of the title of Tartu Honorary Citizen and Tartu Täht laureates, which will be broadcast from the Estonian National Museum. The people of Tartu will be greeted by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Mayor Urmas Klaas, and Chairman of the City Council Tõnis Lukas. Decorations will be presented live to the new recipients. You can follow the ceremony on the Tartu City website, Tartu City Facebook page, or the Tartu Postimees website.
The traditional laying of wreaths at the memorials to the War of Independence will take place at the Paulus and Raadi cemeteries on 24 February, starting at 8.15.
At 9.15 – A memorial ceremony dedicated to the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will begin at the Kalevipoeg memorial to freedom, in Tartu. The ceremonial formation of the Tartu Defence League district and student organisations will be addressed by Tartu City Council Chairman Tõnis Lukas, Chaplain Priit Tamm from the Tartu Defence League district, and a representative from the Estonian Students’ Society.
At 10.00 – A ceremony honouring the Estonian flag at the Tartu Observatory. Speeches will be delivered by Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Union of Local Authorities of Tartu County and Mayor of Elva Municipality Priit Värv, Dean of the Tartu Diocese of the EELC Ants Tooming, and Vice-President of the Estonian Students’ Society Karl-Martin Õispuu. Music by Tartu Male Choirs and Wind Band Tartu.
At 11.00 – A ceremonial formation by the Tartu Defence League district at Town Hall Square. Recognition of the members of the Tartu Defence League district and the blessing of the flag of the North-Tartu Defence League subdistrict. A display of the Defence League’s equipment and weapons can be viewed on site.
At 12.00 – Celebration begins at Town Hall Square. Performance by the Nedsaja Village Band. Tea is provided by the Tartu district Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization, and you can take part in a fun adventure game.
At 16.00 – The free concert “The World is Ringing”, dedicated to the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, will begin at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum. The Tartu Boys’ Choir, the Kurekell Girls’ Choir, the Hobby Choir, the A. Le Coq Chamber Choir, the Tartu I Music School Symphony Orchestra, the Folklore Club Maatasa, soloists and a band will all be performing on an evening filled with Estonian choral music. The multi-talented Tiit Kikas will be providing a contrast to the choir music.
Last changed 18.02.2022
