Canadians Join Estonians around the Globe in Celebration!
It was 100 years ago, on February 24, 1918, that Estonia was proclaimed as a democratic and independent republic. The centenary is real cause for celebration, and a perfect opportunity for Estonians to unite in their efforts to build a brighter future, together.
The first celebration of Estonian Independence Day in Tallinn, Estonia on February 24, 1919. Source: Wikipedia
The Flag Shop congratulates Estonians across Canada and around the globe on reaching this important milestone. On Saturday, February 24 at sunrise, the Estonian flag will be raised in locations across Estonia, to commemorate and celebrate 100 years of independence.
Estonia 100 centenary week brings Estonia’s 100th anniversary celebrations across the country and beyond! Source: Estonia 100
The Estonia Flag
The Estonian flag was officially adopted on May 8, 1990. The blue symbolizes loyalty, and beautiful blue skies, seas and lakes. The black represents oppression of the past and fertile soil. The white reflects virtue, as well as Estonia’s struggle for independence and freedom. How important is the symbolism of the flag to Estonians? It’s important enough to have an actual word for their flag: “sinimustvalge”, which literally means, “blue-black-white.”
Image Source: Estonia 100
Estonian Valtrik Pihl, a Helsinki-based construction worker from Paide, knitted a huge, 160-square metre (1,722-square ft) flag as a gift for Estonia’s centenary, celebrated this year. Source: Estonian World
The large knitted Estonian flag is currently displayed at the Estonian National Museum. Source: Estonian National Museum
Did You Know That in Estonia…?
1. …swinging is BIG!
Estonians take swinging very seriously! In a sport called “kiiking”, invented in the 1990s by a man named Ado Kosk, swingers attach themselves to giant steel swings and rotate 360°, while swinging! This gives new meaning to the phrase, “in full swing!”
2. …people vote online.
Estonia was the first country in the entire world to adopt online voting. They’ve been clicking and tapping to vote since 2007.
3. …craft beer is everywhere.
There’s been a beer revolution in the last few years, taking a popular home-brewing hobby to a way to earn a living! As it turns out, the cost of alcohol in Estonia is lower than its Scandinavian neighbors, so people are known to travel to Estonia just for a beer!
4. …there are only three major cities.
The cities of Tallinn, Tartu and Narva are the only ones with populations of more than 50,000.
5. …space food was first developed.
Space food had its beginnings in a factory located in the town of Põltsamaa, in Estonia, in 1962. This food was produced and packaged specifically for use in space travel.
6. …Skype was born.
Estonians take credit for the invention of Skype. It’s a pretty big deal, and some have been known to joke that the blue in their national flag actually symbolizes the blue in the Skype logo.
7. …the population is mostly female.
Estonia’s population has more women than men. For every 100 females in Estonia, there are 84 males, – which is very unusual – and second only to the Northern Mariana Islands (a commonwealth of the USA).
8. …they have a huge national song festival called “Laulupidu.”
This festival is among the largest choral events in the world. Can you just imagine a joint choir of over 30,000 singers performing for an audience of 80,000?
9. …there is a very high rate of literacy.
Estonia has one of the highest adult literacy rates in the world. Reading in Estonia’s official language, (called Eesti Keele in Estonian), sounds pretty tough to us!
Don’t Forget Your “Sinimustvalge!”
With so much to celebrate, The Flag Shop is here to help you express your Estonian pride! All Flag Shops across Canada carry Estonian flags in a variety of sizes, as well as lapel pins, crests, and decals. If you’re looking for a particular item, let us know, because we think you’d be surprised to learn what we have in our warehouse!
For information about 100th Anniversary celebrations in your area, or to attend, check out the links below:
Toronto:
Estonian Independence Gala
EV100 Juubelipidu Torontos
Hamilton:
EV 100 Anniversary Ball
Montreal:
Estonia’s Independence 100th Anniversary
Ottawa:
Estonia’s 100th birthday celebrations
Vancouver:
Estonia 100th Independence Day Ball
Congratulations to all Estonians across Canada, and around the globe!