Estonia Independence Day – February 24, 2025

History of Estonia Independence Day

Announced from the balcony of the Endia Theatre in Parnu, the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia was declared on February 23, 1918. The historic moment was crowned by lusty singing as the crowd began to sing what later became Estonia’s national anthem — a song titled ‘Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room,’ meaning ‘My Fatherland, My Happiness, and Joy.’ The following day, February 24, the Manifesto was published after it arrived in Tallinn, the nation’s capital. Thus, the Republic of Estonia was born.

Estonia has faced many battles for its independence. Before the declaration in 1918, Soviet Russia controlled Estonia. However, once the Russians left and the Manifesto was read, Germany began a forced occupation until the end of World War I. Faced with defeat, the Germans were left with no choice but to return power to the Provisional Government on November 19. This triumph for the Estonians was short-lived as Soviet Russia once again swept in only nine days later on November 28, 1918, leading to the Estonian War of Independence.

The war eventually came to an end in February 1920 with the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty, in which Soviet Russia promised never to lay claim to Estonia. This promise was broken in 1940 when they again invaded Estonia, forcing the government to surrender to Soviet rule during World War II. On August 6, 1940, Estonia became the Estonian S.S.R. In 1941, Estonia was recaptured once again by Germany. Later, the Soviets again took control of power.

In 1988, independence movements began by forming political parties and protests. Finally, on August 20, 1991, Estonia re-established its sovereignty after the peaceful Singing Revolution against Soviet rule. This was a unique revolution where music was used as a tool of resistance and a declaration of intent. Estonians start their Independence Day at sunrise with the traditional flag-hoisting on Toompea, a hill in the capital, Tallinn. This is followed by the military parade in Freedom Square, an open-air free concert in central Tallinn, and the President’s reception in the evening. Meanwhile, in other Estonian towns, the flag is hoisted at public and private spaces in the morning, which is followed by church services and attending local celebrations. The current flag of Estonia was adopted after independence from Russia in 1918.