Independence Restoration Day in Estonia
Independence Restoration Day is a public holiday observed annually on August 20th in Estonia. This holiday commemorates Estonia’s official declaration of independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 after an attempted coup by Communist hard-liners in Moscow.
Estonia (National holiday)This preceded the country’s formal independence from the former Soviet Union on September 6th, 1991. In Estonia, this holiday is known as “Taasiseseisvumispäev,” and it is a day off for the general population. It is also a day when many businesses and non-essential government offices are closed.
The History of Independence Restoration Day in Estonia
On the 20th day of August in 1991, there was an attempted coup by Communist hardliners in Moscow. Russian troops were dispatched to the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn, to support the coup. However, Estonian organizers protected the TV broadcast tower so that the hardliners couldn’t use it to broadcast propaganda.
After successfully securing the broadcast tower, the Estonian government proclaimed the restoration of Estonian independence. Independence in Estonia was officially recognized by the former Soviet Union on September 6th, 1991.
Observing Independence Restoration Day in Estonia
This holiday is celebrated in various ways. There is usually a flag-raising ceremony at the Governor’s Garden where the President and Prime Minister deliver speeches. There is also music provided by choirs, and flowers are formally laid at the Memorial Stone.
As the day continues, there are parades, open-air concerts, and festivals throughout Estonia. There are displays of military equipment, street food, and plenty of music played by local and international bands. This is a holiday to celebrate Estonian independence and freedom, and it is a holiday that Estonians take very seriously.
Estonia (National holiday)
