This weekend the Sydney Baltic Markets transformed the Latvian House into a buzzing hub of Baltic culture, crafts and community. The day also included a tour of the Latvian House archives and library, and speeches from the Baltic ambassadors — read the full text of Estonian Ambassador Jaan Reinhold’s address below.
Organised by the Latvian Society and supported by the Estonian and Lithuanian communities, the event drew crowds eager to browse handmade jewellery, try Baltic treats, and enjoy wonderful performances from choirs and folk dancers.
Estonian stalls stood out with beautifully presented products and flavours of home — from rye bread, kohupiimakook and teekook to smoked sausage, pirukad and folk-inspired jewellery. Visitors could also find Latvian and Lithuanian favourites, from beetroot soup, Karums kohukesed to apple strudel. And for those seeking a stronger taste of home, Estonian alcoholic beverages — beers, longero and Vana Tallinn.
The day was made special by great performances: Estonian Virmalised folk dancers and the Kooskõlas choir performed alongside Latvian and Lithuanian groups. The Baltic ambassadors joined the celebrations and toured the Estonian stalls, giving vendors the chance to share their work and stories. Estonian Society of Sydney President Ave Nukki summed up the atmosphere simply: “Excellent event! Väga tore üritus oli!”
Adding to the sense of occasion, Ambassador of Estonia to Australia Jaan Reinhold delivered a warm and thoughtful address to the gathered community.
Welcoming address by the Estonian Ambassador Jaan Reinhold at the Sydney Baltic Markets, 27 September 2025.
Dear friends,
It is a great honour to join you here today at the Sydney Baltic Markets. My warm thanks go to Latvian Society for hosting us in this beautiful Latvian House, and to my Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues for this joint effort in representing our shared Baltic spirit.
We, the Baltic nations, have always been known for our energy and determination to work hard and build. This was true when we first created our modern economies after independence, and again when we rebuilt them after regaining our independence.
The same spirit carried our compatriots who left Europe after the Second World War and started new lives in faraway places, including here in Australia. They brought skills, resilience and entrepreneurship with them, and that legacy continues to shine in our communities today.
I am proud to note that Australia is home to one of the few Estonian Chambers of Commerce established outside Estonia, a living example of how entrepreneurial spirit turns into concrete partnerships and opportunities.
But alongside enterprise, we are also peoples of culture, handicraft and tradition. This market shows it so well: every stall and product, every performance tells a story about our heritage. Through them, you bring Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania closer to Australia. It is very rewarding to see how our culture, preserved across generations, becomes part of the rich mosaic of Australian society, which itself is built on diversity and strong diasporas.
And yet, there is something more – the Baltic spirit. A spirit that united us when we fought for our independence, and that continues today as we stand with those whose struggle is our own. Today, this means Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting not only for its survival, but for the very values of freedom and dignity that we share.
I want to express my deep gratitude to our Baltic communities here in Australia. Across this country: in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and beyond, you have stood up for Ukraine with passion and dedication: organising rallies, raising awareness, providing humanitarian aid, and keeping the cause alive in the public conscience. You honour our history and you show the world that solidarity is not an abstract word, it is lived action.
On a personal note, I was born in an Estonian town close to the Latvian border, and my first diplomatic posting was to Lithuania. So today, among all of you, I truly feel at home – as an Estonian, yes, but also as a proud representative of Baltic nation.
Let me close by thanking everyone who has worked so hard to make this event possible, especially our Latvian friends. I am delighted to see so many entrepreneurial Estonians here too. Please keep this tradition going – it strengthens our bonds, showcases our heritage, and keeps alive the good spirit of three close nations in this generous country we now call home.
I wish you all a joyful day here at the Sydney Baltic Markets.
Aitäh, paldies, ačiū!
Acknowledgement
With thanks to Ambassador Jaan Reinhold for sharing his speech and photos, and to Ave Nukki for providing information and photos from the markets.
