2025 is going to be the year of ESTO

“Song and dance have had an exceptionally powerful unifying force. Through high-level concerts, attention has been repeatedly drawn to Estonia’s fate in recent history,” says Sirle Sööt, one of the organizers of ESTO. The 13th ESTO, or the Global Estonian Cultural Days, will take place this summer in Stockholm, Narva, and Tallinn. The festival, which grew out of the tradition of preserving song and dance festivals in exile, brings together Estonian communities worldwide, strengthening global Estonian identity and a sense of belonging.

What is ESTO, where and when does it happen?

Not all Estonians are familiar with what ESTO stands for or how it relates to the determined, talented, and educated Estonians living outside of Estonia. Sirle sums it up by explaining that ESTO tells the story of Estonians forced to flee their homeland and their collective global effort to survive as a national group abroad, to preserve their language and culture, and to contribute to Estonia’s re-independence. In this fight, the “weapons” included song, music, folk culture, art, literature, and a strong will to cooperate.

“The tradition of Estonian song and dance festivals was immediately carried on upon arriving in exile—in Germany, Sweden, the USA, Canada, the UK, and other countries where Estonian choirs and folk dance groups were active. Time passed, and years turned into decades. Estonian Houses, scout camps, and summer homes for children were established—cultural islands of Estonia in foreign lands. But that wasn’t enough in times when multilingualism and multiculturalism were considered harmful to children. To preserve Estonian identity, cooperation between Estonians in different countries was necessary.”

The first ESTO song and dance festival was held in Toronto in 1972, and much time has passed since then. Generations have changed, and times have evolved. However, according to Sirle, this hasn’t shaken the ESTO communities worldwide. The older members continue to involve younger people with Estonian roots in ESTO activities, and new Estonian cultural “hubs” continue to appear on the map. “The last ESTO helped establish a network of Estonian organizations in Finland, for example, where the largest number of Estonians live,” Sirle notes, adding that communities differ in whether they focus on historical struggles for freedom, political collaboration, or primarily on organizing cultural events and teaching the Estonian language.

“As the President of the Global Estonian Central Council, I know these countries well. Today, the vitality of communities can best be measured by the number of Estonian Houses, outdoor areas, schools/hobby schools, kindergartens, media outlets, choirs, folk dance groups, sports clubs, congregations, academic associations, and scientific organizations they have, as well as how frequently they meet and use shared properties.”

She highlights her current home country, Sweden, as an example, where there is good collaboration between the old and the new, the young and the elderly. “I consider myself an integrated Estonian abroad who highly values the activities of the organized Estonian community. Most of my friends here in Sweden are Estonians born in Sweden, whose parents—and they themselves—have been strong bearers of Estonian identity. The community must continuously engage young people, and new leaders need to be trained to ensure the continuation of culture, values, and traditions. For the 2019 ESTO, we established the ‘Estonian Youth in Sweden’ organization under the Swedish Estonian Association. It’s great to see that they’ve remained active, organizing youth theater, volleyball teams, and children’s and youth camps. Of course, choir singing and folk dancing still captivate young people, especially when it leads to participation in song and dance festivals.”

Eager anticipation for the song and dance festival

This summer will be particularly special for Estonians living abroad, as the song and dance festival will be held in Estonia—a highlight on the ESTO calendar. “The song and dance festival is like the cherry on top of the ESTO cake,” Sirle believes.

A significant number of ESTO participants will take part in the song and dance festival, either performing or enjoying the concerts as part of the audience. From Sweden, participants include the Stockholm Estonian Children’s Choir, the Stockholm Estonian Women’s Choir, the Stockholm Estonian Mixed Choir, and the Gothenburg Estonian Mixed Choir. The Stockholm Estonian Folk Dance Group “VIRVEL” will also perform.

“It’s wonderful that many Estonians from Australia and the USA have already booked flights and hotels in Stockholm, Narva-Jõesuu, and Tallinn. They’re planning their visits to include ESTO, the song and dance festival, and reunions with friends and family,” Sirle describes the summer plans of the ESTO participants.

The challenges of organizing ESTO

However, enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. The success of ESTO events largely depends on funding and support from the Estonian government. Currently, several major grant decisions are awaited, which will determine key parts of the ESTO program. For example, support from the “Estonian Culture in the World” fund will influence the festival’s opening ceremony at Skansen in Stockholm, while decisions regarding regional song festivals will affect the ESTO song festival in Narva. “The Estonian state budget has seen better days, but especially now, during complex times in Europe and the world, it’s crucial to maintain a bridge between Estonia and Estonians living abroad. As a small nation, we must share our story and preserve and promote Estonian culture globally. It matters,” Sirle emphasizes.

She also suggests that Estonia should be keen to connect with talented individuals of Estonian descent who currently live abroad and contribute to ESTO activities. A strong bond with the homeland could one day bring them back—if they feel welcome here.

What should you know about the ESTO Pass?

The ESTO Pass is designed for ESTO enthusiasts who want to participate in activities in all three cities or at least two and make their experience easier. The Pass offers transfers, discounts at hotels, free entry to secret pubs, and pre-registration for excursions. The ESTO Supporter Pass provides additional perks, such as premium seating next to VIPs and invitations to receptions. ESTO passes are available at discounted prices until March 1st on Piletitasku. ESTO gala and secret pub tickets will also be sold there.

A secret pub is a meeting place where the beer never runs out. It’s a place to catch up with friends, put your arm around a buddy, and ask, “Dear friend, how are you doing?” It’s a fantastic spot to form new connections and friendships.

-Original Estonian version written by Reelika Lepp