Some Estonian Australian communities are gathering this week to mark a milestone that changed the course of history: on 20 August 1991, Estonia restored its independence. Others will pause in their own quiet way, remembering what this day means. In Estonia itself, the day is a public holiday filled with concerts, speeches and moments of gratitude.
For Estonians abroad, the day carries no less weight. It’s not just another date on the calendar. Those who lived through it know what it meant to finally see the dream of a free Estonia come true. Those who grew up hearing the stories know the sacrifices and courage it took. And those born afterwards inherit the gift — and responsibility — of freedom.
It wasn’t so long ago when travel was restricted, voices were silenced, and families lived under the fear of deportation or worse. Yet, through resilience, culture and belief in freedom, Estonia returned to the world as an independent nation. That is why we celebrate — not out of habit, but out of remembrance and pride.
Read about celebrations across Australia.
Events Across Australia
SYDNEY – 34th Re-independence Day Celebration
📅 Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025, 1.00 PM
📍 Location: Sydney Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
🎟 Tickets: Members free, guests $5 – Book here
The Estonian Society of Sydney invites everyone to a festive afternoon featuring performances by Kooskõlas choir, folk dancers and a concert of instrumental music (piano, cello and kannel). A musical celebration of freedom and community spirit.
MELBOURNE – Commemoration of the Baltic Way
📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025, 1.30 PM
📍 Melbourne Latvian House, 3 Dickens Street, Elwood VIC 3164
🎟 By donation (proceeds to the Ukrainian Crisis Appeal)
The Baltic Way was a powerful act of peaceful protest: on 23 August 1989, two million people joined hands to form a 700 km human chain through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This symbolic stand against Soviet occupation captured worldwide attention and paved the way for independence two years later.
The Melbourne commemoration will include eyewitness stories from Baltic representatives, reflections by Lithuanian-Australian journalist Jonas Mašanauskas, and an address by Honorary Consul-General of Lithuania, Dana Levickis. Latvian choirs and students will perform, while Café Rīga will offer traditional fare before and after the program.
ADELAIDE – Baltic Way Freedom Concert 2025
📅 Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025, 2.00 PM
📍 Location: Latvian House, 4 Clark St, Wayville SA 5034
🎟 Tickets: Adults $10, children under 18 free – Book here
A joint celebration by Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian communities, the Freedom Concert will feature an afternoon of folkloric performances, unity in song, and plenty of coffee and cake. A chance to remember shared struggles and victories.
PERTH – Celebrating 34 Years of Restoration of Estonian Independence
📅 Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025, 3.00 PM
📍 Location: Estonian Consulate in Western Australia, 11 Langsford Street, Claremont WA 6010
💵 Free entry, no bookings required. More information here
The Perth gathering will combine celebration with reflection, featuring a moving story of Ukrainian families supported by an Estonian family in WA. The program will also highlight upcoming community events, EstWest initiatives, and a new Estonian–Australian media platform. Coffee and cakes provided.
A day to remember
If you can, spend this day with your community. If you can’t, light a candle or step outside, and breathe in freedom. Remember that Estonia is free, you are free, and that is never to be taken for granted.
Read more
For those curious about the history of Estonia’s path back to freedom, including photos and documents from the time, visit the Estonian Parliament’s overview: Riigikogu – Taasiseseisvumine (in Estonian)
