Estonia Independence Day
BOOK HOTELS & FLIGHTS
Book stays for Estonia Independence Day
AREA
OneSliders may earn a commission if you book through Booking.com.
- 1918Estonia declares independence from both Russia and Germany
- 1940Soviet occupation — independence suppressed for 50 years
- 1991Independence restored — Estonia becomes first Baltic state to break free
Why Estonia celebrates 24 February
On 24 February 1918, the Estonian Salvation Committee proclaimed the Republic of Estonia in Tallinn — just as German forces were advancing and before the Bolsheviks could regain control. The declaration was brief and the republic faced immediate threats, but it marked the birth of the Estonian nation-state and the date became the founding anniversary.
The republic survived until 1940, when Soviet forces occupied Estonia following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Estonia was incorporated into the Soviet Union and independence was suppressed for 50 years. The memory of the 1918-1940 republic was maintained by the Estonian government in exile and by communities in the West, preserving legal continuity of the state.
When independence was restored in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Estonia chose to restore the original republic rather than establish a new state — reinforcing the legal and historical continuity. Today, 24 February is marked with the flag being raised on Toompea Hill in Tallinn at sunrise, a military parade and evening concerts.
- 202624 February 2026 · Tuesday
- 202724 February 2027 · Wednesday
- 202824 February 2028 · Thursday
The Estonian flag has three equal horizontal bands of blue, black and white. Blue represents the sky, the sea and the hope of Estonians for a bright future. Black represents the dark soil of Estonia and the suffering of the people through centuries of foreign rule. White represents purity, hard work and the aspiration for a better future — also the colour of the white nights of summer.
Estonian cuisine is quietly distinctive — rye bread, smoked fish, blood sausage and forest mushrooms define a food culture shaped by the northern forests and the Baltic Sea.
What to eat
SültCold jellied pork — a traditional cold cut served at celebrations, sliced and eaten with mustard.
MulgikapsadSlow-braised sauerkraut with barley and pork — a warming Estonian staple from the south of the country.
VerivorstBlood sausage — a Christmas and winter tradition eaten with sauerkraut and cranberry jam.
KiluvõileibOpen-faced bread with spiced Baltic sprat — the Estonian version of the Scandinavian smørrebrød.
KamaRoasted grain flour mixed with buttermilk or kefir — an ancient Estonian food eaten for breakfast or dessert.
KohukeSweet quark cheese bar coated in chocolate — Estonia's most loved everyday snack.What to drink
Vana TallinnSpiced liqueur with a rum base — Estonia's best-known spirit, often added to coffee or cream.
Saku beerEstonia's leading beer brand — light lager brewed in Tallinn since 1820.
KefirFermented milk drink — consumed daily as a health drink throughout Estonia and the Baltic states.Estonia culture
Estonian culture is defined by the singing tradition — the Song Festival, held every five years, has been called the "singing revolution" for its role in the independence movement. The country is also a world leader in digital governance.
Laulupidu Song FestivalEstonia's mass choral song festival — up to 30,000 singers performing on a single stage, a UNESCO-listed tradition.
Toompea Hill ceremonyTallinn's ancient hilltop fortress is where the flag is raised at dawn on Independence Day.
Sauna cultureThe Estonian sauna — löylysaun — is central to social and family life, used for relaxation and celebration.
Digital stateEstonia was the first country to offer e-residency and runs elections online — its digital governance model is studied worldwide.