On Thursday, 24 September the Day of Estonian Nations is celebrated to recognize the minorities living in Estonia, as well as their efforts and eagerness to preserve their language and culture. Already this weekend, 19-20 September many cultural associations of minorities living in Estonia will exhibit their handicraft and national dishes at an Ethno Fair taking place at the Tallinn Townhall Square. At the same time, the young will hold debates on integration and cultural diversity at a public tournament.
According to the Undersecretary of Cultural Diversity of the Ministry of Culture Anne-Ly Reimaa, cultural pluralism endorses the society’s ability to change and its sustainability in an open cultural space. “The mutual values bringing together the 28 Member States of the European Union are tolerance, solidarity, caring, and responsibility. Only a strong cultural identity will enable Estonia to preserve its language and culture. Let us also recognize and support the efforts of other minorities in preserving their culture,” Reimaa says.
The day celebrating the nations living in Estonia was started back in 2005 when then Minister of Ethnic Affairs Paul-Eerik Rummo proclaimed September 24 as the Estonian National Minorities Day. The day commemorates the first gathering of the Forum of Estonian Nations on 24 September 1988. This year’s event marks the eleventh Day of Estonian Nations.
Year-on-year the number of events dedicated to the Day of Nations has increased with numerous events taking place in different parts of Estonia this year as well:
- On 19-20 September, the Union of Estonian Nations will organize an Ethno Fair and a concert at the Tallinn Townhall Square where associations of nations will exhibit their culture, handicraft and national dishes. At the same time, a sporting debate tournament “Nationality does not matter. Nationality does not matter?” will be held at the Tallinn English College where the young will hold debates on integration and cultural diversity. A Grand Prix event of the tournament will be held on 23 September at the Tallinn Russian Theatre where those interested have the chance to witness the debate of the finalists and the discussion of opinion leaders.
- On 24 September, collectives of the International Association of National Cultural Societies Lüüra will perform at the Russian Cultural Centre.
- On 25 September, a culture forum will be held at the Geneva Centre in Narva focusing on how to strengthen cultural cooperation of different national in various regions of Estonia, mainly in the field of youth work.
- On 26 September, the heritage celebration “Abundance of Cultural Space” of the Estonian National Folklore Council will be held in the Palamuse Community Centre.
- On 27 September, the festival “Creative Cauldron of National Cultures” will be held at Jõhvi Concert Hall.
The entire programme of events dedicated to the day of nations is available on the webpage of the Day of Estonian Nations HERE