Estonian Indepence Day

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Estonian Indepence Day

• 24th February

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• On all houses the blue-black-white flag will be
  hoisted.
• The Estonian national flag is tri-colour,
  consisting of three equal horizontal bands, the
  upper one being blue, the middle one black and
  the lower white.

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• Originally the tri-colour was the flag of the
  Corporation of Estonian Students. Over time, the
  tri-colour acquired the status of the national
  flag, and in 1922 the Parliament Riigikogu
  approved it as the official state flag. Since the
  occupation of Estonia in 1940, the use of the
  tri-colour was banned.
• On the 24th February 1989, the national
  tri-colour was hoisted on the top of Tall Hermann
  tower again. According to a law adopted in august
  1990, the tri-colour again became the official
  state flag of the Republic of Estonia.

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• It was on this date in 1918 that an independent
  democratic Republic of Estonia was declared for
  the first time in world history.
• Although during the Soviet occupation this
  holiday, along with many other Estonian
  traditions, were strongly forbidden from being
  celebrated, the newly restored independence
  allowed this occasion to regain its status as one
  of the most significant national holidays. For
  the majority of people Independence Day marks a
  day off work, so why waste it on doing laundry or
  tiding up when hosting a group of friends sounds
  like much more fun!

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• Right after watching the Independence Day
  military parade (that is organized in different
  Estonian towns, in addition to Tallinn for
  example in Paide, Rakvere ja Pärnu) on the
  bitterly cold February morning, the guests gather
  in the hosts dining room where the table is set
  in blue, black and white tones. The significance
  of the day is expressed by using Grandmas
  precious old dinnerware and silverware destined
  for special occasions only.

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• Whether its Veljo Tormis or Erkki-Sven Tüür,
  Artur Rinne or Kukerpillid that you choose to
  play at your Independence Day gathering, the
  music is to be genuinely Estonian. Some of the
  activities for this occasion include various
  party games (e.g. Estonian game), sing-along,
  patriotic toasts and speeches.
• Chunks of the traditional Estonian barley bread
  with creamed smoked cheese and finger sandwiches
  with spiced sprats and quail eggs are served as
  appetizers, along with the pricey smoked eel on
  toasted rye bread that is generally served only
  on very special occasions.

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• The gathering that started as a stand-up party
  gets into full gear once all the guests have
  arrived and initial toasts have been made. As
  everyone take seats around the table, the
  mealtime starts with cold dishes, such as jelled
  smoked beef tongue with creamed horseradish,
  herring and potato salad, potato and egg salad.
• Independence Day party is the perfect time to
  bring out the summer fresh preserves Grandmas
  pickles, Moms pumpkin salad and marinated red
  milk-caps that can be served on the side of the
  main course of the day Estonian carbonnade with
  mashed potatoes and wild mushroom sauce.

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• The white chocolate cheesecake is perfect for
  the party surprise as it is both majestic looking
  and delightfully tasty. The impressive white
  dessert is garnished with frozen berries that
  were picked from one of the many Estonian forests
  over this past summer, as well as candles and the
  Estonian blue-black-white flags. Enjoy this
  dessert with a cup of black coffee or coffee with
  cream, and youll have a perfect color
  combination for the party.
• Even those not in the guest list of the
  Presidents official reception and Independence
  Day ball can still be a part of the biggest
  celebration in Estonia by watching the
  festivities on television.

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• Many people who have had an important role in
  the development of Estonia are honored by the
  President with different medals and orders.
• The independence day is celebrated all over
  Estonia with festive concerts and gatherings.
  Known singers, choirs, folk dancers and
  professional musicians and actors perform. In
  cities and communes people who have been
  excellent and distinguished in their jobs are
  rewarded.
• One can hear the Estonian hymn, My Native Land
  everywhere. The anthems of Estonia and Finland
  share the same melody, written by the composer
  Fredric Pacius. The anthem was first sung in
  public in 1869 to the words written by J.V.
  Jannsen especially for the first Song Festival.

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• My Native Land became tremendously popular
  among the people and became the unofficial
  national anthem already by 1896. In 1920, it
  received the status of the official national
  anthem. 
• There are concerts in schools, where students
  perform with songs, instrumental pieces, poems
  and shows. Art exhibitions are organized.
  Meetings with people who have fought for Estonian
  liberty and independence are arranged.
• One can watch interesting programs on the
  television the whole day about Estonian history,
  the fight for independence and about people who
  have done a lot for the Estonian republic, and
  also concerts with Estonian music.  

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POTATO AND EGG SALAD

• 6 hardboiled eggs
• 10 boiled potatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• handful fresh chives, chopped
• salt, black pepper to taste
• Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and chives to
  make the dressing add salt and pepper to taste.
  Chop the potatoes and eggs. Pour in the dressing
  and mix well to combine.
• Its really something genuinely Estonian!

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HERRING AND POTATO SALAD

• 200 g salted herring
• 4-5 boiled potatoes
• 3 hardboiled eggs
• 1-2 red onions
• 1 cup sour cream
• Finely chop the herring, onion(s) and eggs.
  Slice the potatoes. Put the potato slices on a
  serving platter and arrange the herring on top.
  Pour over the sour cream. Garnish with the
  chopped onions and eggs.