In July 2025, Estonian Australians will make a meaningful pilgrimage to Tallinn to take part in one of the world’s most powerful expressions of cultural identity – the Estonian Song Festival (Laulupidu) and Dance Festival (Tantsupidu). For these singers and dancers from across Australia, this is more than a performance. It is a journey home.
Representing Australia will be these choirs and folk dance groups.
🎶 Kooskõlas – the Australian Estonian national choir, bringing together singers from across the country, including members from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
🎶 Kodu Kaja – the Melbourne Estonian women’s choir.
💃 Virmalised – the Australian Estonian national folk dance group, with dancers from New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and South Australia.
💃 FolkRoos – the Brisbane Estonian ladies’ folk dance group.
Together, these groups will join tens of thousands on Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds and Dance Festival field, lifting their voices and stepping proudly in the traditions of their ancestors.
💙 A deeply personal journey for many
For many of the participants, this festival is a powerful reminder of their roots – a connection that bridges generations and continents.
“My grandparents fled Estonia during the war and started over in Australia with nothing but hope. When I sing these songs, I feel their strength and their love for the homeland. Being at Laulupidu is like standing on their shoulders.”
“Dancing at Tantsupidu makes me feel part of something timeless. I think of my ancestors who would have danced these same steps in Estonian villages. Now I’m here, representing our community in Australia, and it fills me with pride.”
“Every time I sing at Laulupidu, I think of my grandmother’s stories of leaving her home in Tõrva. The songs keep me connected to the land she loved.”
“Laulupidu reminds me why I love Estonia – it’s a feeling of unity, history, and home, no matter how far away I am.”
🌏 A celebration of community across borders
This festival experience reflects the resilience of Australia’s Estonian community – one that has worked for decades to keep language, song, and dance alive far from the Baltic shores.
For some, it will be their first time in Estonia; for others, a return after many years. All will stand together in Tallinn, united with Estonians from around the world in a shared voice and shared steps.
“There is a deep sense of belonging that comes from singing together, working together towards a shared goal, and being part of something bigger than yourself. We carry this spirit not only in Estonia, but in our communities back home.”
“The Singing Revolution showed the power of song. When we sing together, we continue that legacy of strength and unity.”
“When we return to Australia, we bring back renewed energy – not just for our choirs and dance groups, but for our entire community. Laulupidu and Tantsupidu remind us why we work so hard to keep these traditions going.”
