TARTU, ESTONIA — 15 June 2025, sunrise. While most of Estonia was still wiping sleep from their eyes (or enjoying their Sunday coffee), something magical happened in the park of the Estonian National Museum: the sacred flame of the Song and Dance Celebration – Laulu- ja Tantsupidu – was lit!
The flame marks the symbolic start of the celebration and now begins its epic 18-day journey across Estonia, visiting counties and culture-rich towns on its way to the grand finale: the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma“, taking place from 3–6 July in Tallinn.
🔥 One flame, many voices – and a few kangaroo keychains?
Among the tens of thousands preparing for the big event are singers, dancers, supporters – and yes – even a cheerful delegation from Down Under! Australian Estonian performers from all across the continent are heading to Estonia to take part in the historic celebration. They’ll be joining choirs and dance troupes from around the world to represent Estonian spirit with pride (and hopefully with some well-packed throat lozenges, just in case).
From toddlers in traditional skirts to seasoned singers who know all the verses by heart, our diaspora is showing up in style – koala keychains and all.
🌿 Ancient traditions, new footsteps… and probably a few blisters
Since 1969, the lighting of the flame has kicked off the journey to Laulupidu – originally making its way from Tartu to Tallinn to honour 100 years since the very first Song Celebration. Over the decades, it’s been carried by horse, boat, relay runners, and more recently, anything with feet, wheels, or stubborn enthusiasm.
This year, it’s once again hitting the road – creating a glowing, symbolic breadcrumb trail of unity across Estonia. Some call it tradition. Others call it cardio with meaning.
At this year’s sunrise ceremony, the flame was first lit in a joint bonfire and then handed over to the artistic directors of the upcoming celebration:
– Heli Jürgenson, Song Celebration Artistic Director
– Helena-Mariana Reimann, Dance Celebration Lead Director
– Helin Pihlap, Folk Music Celebration Creative Director
And because no Estonian event is complete without some serious musical talent, the ceremony featured moving performances by Celia Roose, Tartu Karlova School’s children’s choir, the Tartu University Mixed Choir, dance group Soveldaja, Andre Maaker, and Margo Kõlar. The celebration was sealed with the planting of an oak tree and the unveiling of a commemorative stone.
🎤 Reporting (a)live, unfiltered and fuelled by kiluvõileib
Also heading to Estonia: the ever-dedicated (and slightly sleep-deprived) team from the Australian Estonian Media Project. Armed with cameras, microphones, umbrellas and questionable pronunciation, we’ll be front and centre – capturing the heart and soul of the Song and Dance Celebration for eesti.org.au.
Expect joy, tears, goosebumps, awkward flag selfies, and possibly a dramatic weather update or two from someone clinging to their kohuke in sideways rain. If nothing else, tune in for live attempts at saying Lauluväljak without spraining a vowel.
Follow the flame
The flame will reach Tallinn on 2 July, just ahead of the start of the main festivities. Each stop along the journey celebrates local traditions, community connection and Estonia’s living culture. You can follow the full route and flame’s progress on the official site: https://2025.laulupidu.ee/tule-tulemine.
Want a sneak peek of the magical sunrise moment when it all began? See the gallery here: Photo Gallery
🧡 See you in Tallinn!
Whether you’re travelling to Estonia, following online, or simply carrying the songs in your heart – this year’s celebration is a reminder of what unites Estonians everywhere. One flame, thousands of hearts and a shared voice that echoes across oceans.
And remember: if you spot someone in a blue-black-white scarf humming “Mu isamaa on minu arm”… they might just be from Melbourne. Or Sydney. Or Brisbane. Or maybe they’re just lost and looking for the nearest place to buy a kohuke. Estonians don’t need an excuse to sing or dance (nor liquid courage, despite popular belief)…
Have a safe trip – and see you at the Song and Dance Celebration!
