The October Global Estonian newsletter is making its way around the world, carrying news of a new president, blue passports, Estonian culture and a cabbage that has somehow earned itself a monument. Yes, a cabbage. We’ll get to that.
This month’s edition opens with greetings from Maimu Mölder, one of the organisers of Kotkajärve Metsaülikool (Forest University) in Canada. She reflects on what makes this nearly 60-year-old gathering so special — a week of learning, discussion, friendship and being surrounded by inspiring Estonians. Plans are underway for its 60th gathering next year.
And that’s just the beginning.
What’s hiding inside?
There is plenty to rummage through, including:
- Estonia’s new president takes office — Ülle Madise was sworn in on 12 October, delivering her first presidential speech about hope, responsibility and shaping the future.
- Blue passports are making a comeback — Estonia plans to bring back the familiar blue passport covers from 2030. A little nostalgia for those who remember the pre-EU versions.
- Meie Erika heads towards Hollywood — Estonia has selected the film Meie Erika (“Our Erika”) as its submission for the Academy Awards. The drama explores an important chapter of Estonia’s recent history.
- Arvo Pärt’s extraordinary journey — a new short documentary traces the composer’s path from Soviet-era Estonia to international recognition.
- Estonian stories worth saving — the Global Estonian Youth Network invites people to learn how to preserve photographs, documents and family histories through a digital archiving course.
- Estonian music abroad — a conference and musical program in Canada (hosted by VEMU) explores the role music has played in preserving Estonian identity abroad.
- Estonian business making international headlines — energy-storage company Skeleton Technologies has reached a valuation exceeding US$1 billion following a major investment.
- And finally, a monument to a cabbage! Estonia has unveiled a monument celebrating well-loved, well-thumbed books. In Estonian, a book read until it practically falls apart has been kapsaks loetud — read into a cabbage. Yes, some vegetables deserve literary recognition.
A friendly face and a couple of Australian appearances
Among the October stories is an interview with Maarja Merivoo-Parro, the historian, researcher and documentary filmmaker who recently became Director of the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn. In her interview, Maarja talks about her plans for Vabamu, the importance of preserving personal histories and why old letters, diaries and postcards can sometimes tell us more about the past than official documents. Maarja is also a familiar name to HEIA readers — she has shared some stories with us. Congratulations, Maarja!
Two Australian events also feature in Global Estonian’s international events calendar. Sõrve Summer Camp, taking place from 3–10 January 2027, and Eesti Päevad 2027 in Sydney, from 8–11 April.
Ready for more? Go have a rummage.
Read the October Global Estonian newsletter:
In Estonian
In English
