Who needs petrol when you’ve got brilliant brains, teamwork and a whole lot of sunshine? On Sunday, 24 August 2025 (5–8pm), the Solaride solar car team is visiting Sydney, and local Estonians are invited to a special movie night to hear their inspiring story.
The evening’s main feature is Solaride’s brand-new documentary, a film that zips from the drawing board to the dustiest roads of the Australian Outback. In 2023, these bright young Estonian engineers made history as the first Baltic team to take part in the legendary Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Against fierce competition from some of the world’s top universities, they not only finished 3rd but also drove home with a special prize for technical innovation. Not bad for a “first lap” on the world stage!
But the movie is just the warm-up. After the screening, you’ll get to chat with three of Solaride’s powerhouses:
Asso Soosalu – CEO (a.k.a. captain of this sunshine-fuelled ship)
Karl-Tanel Paes – Head of Finance & Partnerships (yes, even solar cars need funding)
Liisa Ševtšuk – Head of People & Culture (because behind every great car is a great team spirit)
They’ll spill the beans on the behind-the-scenes drama: the design headaches, the Outback survival stories, and how they’re gearing up to race again at the end of this month.
🎬 Event details 📅 Sunday, 24 August, 5.00pm – 8.00pm 📍 Sydney Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 🎟️ Tickets $10/$25: Grab yours here
So come along, cheer for Estonia’s sun-chasing innovators, and maybe leave wondering if your next car should come with solar panels instead of a fuel gauge.
The Sydney Estonian House was alive with music, colour and conversation on Sunday, 17 August 2025, when around 70 people gathered to celebrate Estonia’s 34th anniversary of restored independence.
This was the first of the Estonian Australian community events held across the country this week to mark a milestone that changed history. On 20 August 1991, Estonia regained its freedom — and in Sydney, this was remembered with song, dance and the joy of being together.
The afternoon program was a beautiful showcase of Estonian culture.
The Kooskõlas choir filled the hall with singing.
The Virmalised and Rukkililled folk dancers stepped out in rhythm and tradition.
A special instrumental concert brought together piano solos, cello and the gentle sounds of kannel, Estonia’s national instrument.
Music and movement gave the celebration its heartbeat — and reminded everyone that independence is carried not just in history books, but in voices, instruments and dance steps on the stage. We are living history.
Kooskõlas choir sings at the Sydney Estonian House, 17 August 2025. Photo by Ave Nukki.
While Sydney hosted, it wasn’t just Sydney’s day. Guests travelled from Melbourne and Canberra, showing once again that these celebrations are shared across the Australian Estonian community. Everyone is welcome.
After the formalities, the Estonian House was buzzing. Cups of coffee in hand, people gathered around plates of cinnamon buns, sampled Estonian sweets, and mingled. Echoes of music and conversation filled the rooms — it just felt right to everyone present.
Ave Nukki, President of the Estonian Society of Sydney, spoke of what this day means to the community, even from the other side of the world:
“Even here in faraway Sydney, we feel the deep meaning of this day. Though Estonia is thousands of kilometres away, it lives in us — in our language, songs, dances, and in our hearts.”
Happy Re-Independence Day!
Read the full speech by Ave in Estonian and in English below.
Virmalised folk dancers performing at the Sydney Estonian House, 17 August 2025. Photo by Esmée Okamoto.
RE-INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETING
DEAR ESTONIANS IN SYDNEY,
Today is a special day. Today, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. This is not just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of courage, hope, and belief — a shared dream of freedom for which our people stood, sang, and quietly trusted would one day return.
34 years ago, a miracle happened. Without weapons, in peace, the Estonian people showed the world that even the darkest times can come to an end when there is unity in our hearts and faith in a better tomorrow.
Even here in faraway Sydney, we feel the deep meaning of this day. Though Estonia is thousands of kilometres away, it lives in us — in our language, songs, dances, and in our hearts. We are not just Estonians living in Australia — we are also ambassadors of Estonia on this distant continent.
Today, we remember those who stood for freedom, and we thank all who have kept our language, culture, and community alive here in Australia over the years.
The strength of our ancestors and the future of our children meet on days like this — when we come together to celebrate, to remember, and to stand side by side.
A heartfelt thank you to all the performers, organisers, and helpers who brought this day to life — and who stayed behind to help tidy up. Your contribution means the world. Thank you, dear community.
And of course — thank you to all of you who came today to be part of this celebration. Your presence keeps our sense of belonging alive and gives meaning to everything we do.
And now, we kindly ask you to please rise for the Estonian National Anthem. After the anthem, everyone is warmly invited to join us for coffee and cake. Let’s continue this day in good spirit and great company.
Long live Estonia! Long live our community!
With heartfelt thanks,
Ave Nukki President, Estonian Society of Sydney 20 August 2025
Ave Nukki, the President of the Estonian Society of Sydney, speaking at the Estonian House in Sydney, 17 August 2025. Photo by Esmée Okamoto.
TAASISESEISVUSPÄEVA TERVITUS
TERE, ARMSAD EESTLASED SYDNEYS!
Täna tähistame midagi erakordset – Eesti Vabariigi taasiseseisvumise 34. aastapäeva. See päev ei ole pelgalt üks kuupäev kalendris – see on meeldetuletus julgusest, lootusest ja ühisest unistusest, mille nimel meie rahvas seisis, laulis ja vaikides uskus, et vabadus tuleb tagasi.
34 aastat tagasi sündis ime. Eesti rahvas – relvitu ja rahumeelne – näitas maailmale, et ka kõige pimedam aeg võib lõppeda, kui südames on kindel usk ja rahval üksmeel. See on ime, mida meie, kes elame teisel pool maailma, kanname uhkusega oma südames.
Kuigi meie kodumaa asub siit tuhandete kilomeetrite kaugusel, ei ole see kunagi vähendanud meie armastust Eesti vastu. Meie keel, laulud, tantsud ja traditsioonid elavad edasi ka siin, Sydney päikese all – sest me hoiame neid elus. Me ei ole mitte ainult eestlased Austraalias, vaid Eesti saadikud siin kaugel mandril.
Täna meenutame neid, kes seisid vabaduse eest, ja täname neid, kes on aastate jooksul hoidnud elus meie kultuuri, keelt ja kogukonda siinpool maakera. Meie esivanemate tugevus ja meie laste tulevik kohtuvad just sellistel päevadel – kui koguneme, et tähistada, mäletada ja olla koos.
Sügav kummardus ja tänu kõigile esinejatele, korraldajatele ja abilistele, kes aitasid selle päeva üles ehitada, läbi viia ning ka hiljem kõik taas korda seada. Aitäh, armas kogukond – teieta poleks see võimalik.
Olgu tänane päev täis rõõmu, uhkust ja tänulikkust. Ja ärgem unustagem, et igaüks meist – ükskõik kus me elame – kannab Eestit endas: oma tegudes, sõnades ja südames.
Elagu Eesti! Elagu meie kogukond!
Südamlikult ja tänutundega,
Ave Nukki President, Sydney Eesti Selts 20 August 2025
What’s better than reading a good book? Talking about it with Estonians from around the globe who secretly love nothing more than arguing over which one is the best.
On Tuesday, 26 August 2025, GlobalEstonian.com is hosting a virtual meet-up where books take centre stage — and no, you don’t need to dust off your old school copy of Tôde ja õigus (Truth and Justice).
This time, the spotlight is on Dr. Sirje Kiin (USA), a comparative literature scholar who has spent her life immersed in the beauty and bite of Estonian books. She’ll reveal the books that shaped her life, why Estonian literature hits differently when you live between two cultures, and where to find those gems even if your local library thinks “Estonia” is somewhere near IKEA.
⏰ Time: 26 August 2025, 16.00–17.15 (Estonian time) 📍 Where: Online (Teams) 🎟 Registration: Register here
Expect insights into
You’ll get insights into (wording may wary):
Why Estonian novels sometimes know you better than your therapist.
How books can be the ultimate identity glue — especially when your heart is in two places at once.
Pro tips for hunting down Estonian literature abroad (spoiler: it’s not all smuggled in suitcases).
Bring your own book
This isn’t a sit-back-and-nod kind of session. Bring along your own favourite — that Estonian book that made you cry, laugh, or do a happy dance. Share it with the group and prepare to discover some new “must reads” to add to your midnight shopping list.
Source: Global Estonian.
What’s next?
This is just one of three global meet-ups this year. The next one happens on 27 November 2025 — because nobody reads just one book a year. So, wherever you are — Adelaide, Tartu, or hiding behind a mountain of unread novels in Toronto — brew yourself a strong coffee, grab a book, and log in. Together, we’ll prove that Estonian literature is very much capable of keeping us all connected.
👉 Register here (or click below, if buttons are your thing).
And remember — don’t wander too far from your bookshelf. Our very own Southern Hemisphere Estonian Book Club is back October 26th, with a special guest Estonian author dropping by for a chat. Stay tuned for more information — we promise it’ll be worth clearing your reading list and calendar.
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.
Event posters for Restoration of Independence Day celebrations. Sources from left to right: Latvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Adelaide Estonian Society, Estonian Society of Sydney and Estonian Consulate of Western Australia.
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)
This week, Estonian Australians join together to honour a milestone that changed the course of history: on 20 August 1991, Estonia restored its independence. And because such a day calls for speeches, we bring you the traditional greeting of Dr Juho Looveer, President of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL).
RE-INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETING FROM AESL 2025
LUGUPEETUD KAASMAALASED
Who went to the Laulupidu (Song Festival) or Tantsupidu (Dance Festival) in Estonia this year? Or who visited Estonia this year? How did you feel when you went to these events? How did you feel being in this wonderful country, our homeland?
I think that most people who went had a really great time, and felt so good about being there.
Indeed, we have a right to be happy and proud of our homeland.
As is internationally recognised, Estonia took back its freedom on 20 August 1991. And many thanks can go to the Song and Dance Festivals, which helped unite our people and gave them a vehicle for passive resistance.
Since then, Estonia has performed exceedingly well. It is a leader in technology; a leader in start-ups; acknowledged for its super results in international educational tests, and so much more. Estonia has taken major leadership roles in the European Union and other international organisations.
And while we are proud of the achievements and development, there is still much work to do at home – education, mental health, population growth, political reform, etc.
But our leaders are also very cognisant of our responsibilities to protect ourselves and our neighbours. While we may have thought through the 1990s that our freedom was the future, events in recent decades have served to make us wary again. In Europe, we have Putin as a major concern. But we also see so much other turmoil around the world.
There is no simple solution to such international situations, but we need to provide advice and support as we can.
Estonia continues to be one of the major supporters to Ukraine per capita. Indeed, we had one Australian Estonian volunteer in Ukraine earlier this year.
Outside Estonia, we can help by providing moral support, and making sure that we urge our politicians to do what they can to ensure peace remains. They need to be aware of our history, and how we see the dangers in Europe.
Meanwhile, we can continue to share and promote our culture here. It has been really heartening to see a successful Eesti Päevad at the start of this year, which brought members of our diaspora together in Adelaide. We are now working for the next Eesti Päevad to be held in Sydney in April 2027.
It is encouraging to see so many children’s groups coming alive across the country– playgroups, activity groups, camps, choirs, dancers, etc. There is also a lot of work happening in the handicraft groups. Many younger Estonian families want their children to mix with others with a similar background; people from youth groups are tracing their ancestry.
I see a vibrant revival of the Estonian communities across Australia, and being led by the younger generation. The older generations can safely pass the baton now, and be proud of the work they have done to keep our culture alive.
Dear Estonians in Australia,AESL wishes you joyful celebrations and success on this key date, and in the future.
Happy Re-Independence Day! Long live Free Estonia! Elagu Vaba Eesti!
20 August 2025 Dr Juho Looveer President, AESL
Read this speech in Estonian below.
TAASISESEISVUSPÄEVA TERVITUS
LUGUPEETUD KAASMAALASED
Kes käis sel aastal Eestis Laulupeol või Tantsupeol? Või kes külastas sel aastal Eestit? Kuidas te end tundsite neil üritustel? Kuidas te end tundsite selles imelises riigis, meie kodumaal?
Ma arvan, et enamik inimesi kes läksid, tundsid end seal väga hästi ja nautisid iga hetke.
Tõepoolest, meil on õigus olla oma kodumaa üle õnnelikud ja uhked.
Nagu rahvusvaheliselt tunnustatud, võttis Eesti oma vabaduse tagasi 20. augustil 1991. Ja siin oli oluline roll ka Laulu- ja Tantsupidudel, mis aitasid meie rahvast ühendada ning andsid neile vahendi turvaliseks ja passiivseks vastupanuks.
Sellest ajast alates on Eesti esinenud äärmiselt hästi. Eesti on tehnoloogia ja idufirmade liider ning meie haridustulemused on maailmas kõrgelt hinnatud. Eesti on võtnud endale olulisi juhtivaid rolle Euroopa Liidus ja teistes rahvusvahelistes organisatsioonides.
Ja kuigi oleme oma saavutuste ja arengu üle uhked, on kodus veel palju tööd ära teha – haridus, vaimne tervis, rahvastiku kasv, poliitilised reformid jne.
Meie juhid on samas väga teadlikud ka meie kohustusest kaitsta ennast ja oma naabreid. Kui 1990. aastatel võisime arvata, et meie vabadus on enesestmõistetav tulevik, siis viimaste aastakümnete sündmused on meid taas ettevaatlikuks teinud. Euroopas on Putin me peamine mure. Kuid me näeme ka palju muud rahutukstegevat üle kogu maailma.
Sellistele rahvusvahelistele olukordadele pole lihtsaid lahendusi, kuid me peame pakkuma nõu ja tuge nii palju kui võimalik.
Eesti on jätkuvalt üks Ukraina peamisi toetajaid elaniku kohta. Tõepoolest, meil oli sel aastal isegi üks Austraalia eestlane vabatahtlikuna Ukrainas.
Väljaspool Eestit saame aidata, pakkudes moraalset tuge ja kutsudes poliitikuid üles tegema kõik endast oleneva, et rahu säiliks. Nad peavad olema teadlikud meie ajaloost ja sellest, kuidas me näeme ohte Euroopas.
Samal ajal jätkame oma kultuuri jagamist ja edendamist siin. Oli tõeliselt südantsoojendav näha selle aasta alguses edukalt toimunud Eesti Päevade üritust, mis tõi meie diasporaa liikmed kokku Adelaide’is. Nüüd valmistume järgmisteks Eesti Päevadeks, mis toimuvad Sydneys 2027. aasta aprillis.
On julgustav näha üle kogu riigi ellu ärkamas nii palju laste- ja noortegruppe – mudilasringid, tegevusgrupid, laagrid, koorid, tantsurühmad jne. Aktiivne töö käib ka käsitööringides. Paljud nooremad eesti pered soovivad, et nende lapsed suhtleksid teiste sarnase taustaga lastega; noored otsivad oma päritolu.
Näen Eesti kogukondade elavat taassündi üle kogu Austraalia ja seda juhib noorem põlvkond. Vanemad põlvkonnad saavad nüüd teatepulga julgelt edasi anda ja olla uhked töö üle, mida nad on teinud meie kultuuri elushoidmiseks.
Head Austraalia eestlased, AESL soovib teile rõõmsaid pidustusi ja edu sel tähtsal päeval ning ka tulevikus.
It’s Estonian. It’s cheeky. It’s like eavesdropping on two friends who say all the things you secretly think (you, not me).
Two Estonian women — armed with microphones, sarcasm, and enough dried fish to last a winter — have unleashed Võõrkehad (Foreign Bodies), a podcast about being Estonian abroad, coming home, and feeling like aliens in their own backyard.
Olga Loitsenko (from Rakvere) and Sandra Tiitson (from Saaremaa) are philologists, comedians, and professional outsiders. One lived in Australia, the other in the Netherlands. They came back to Estonia and realised they didn’t quite fit in anymore. Did they cry about it? No — they started a podcast so the rest of us can laugh about it too.
What’s the latest episode about?
We’re on Episode 4, titled “What Does a Breaking Heart Sound Like?” No, it’s not a love-song entry for Eurovision (though Eurovision does make an appearance). The girls talk about Aili, a Canadian Estonian now living in Estonia, and cover everything from:
History lessons gone wild: Estonians learn the Crusades and WWII backwards and forwards. Meanwhile, in the West, folks often think Estonia is a brand of mineral water (that they’ve never heard of).
The Australian Estonian scene: Olga spills on her four years in Australia — hanging out at the Melbourne Estonian House, joking about Latvians, and performing stand-up at Eesti Päevad where the jokes flew and concerts burst into spontaneous sing-alongs.
Languages and love: Why Estonians choke on “I love you,” while foreigners sprinkle it like parsley.
Eurovision obsessions: Spoiler — Australian Estonians are apparently more Eurovision-obsessed than (Canadian) Estonians.
AI curiosity: A live hunt for the founder of ChatGPT (turns out, not Polish… or is he? Homework for you).
All of it wrapped in their signature blend of self-mockery and world commentary.
Why did they start this podcast?
Because, as Olga puts it: “We came back from abroad so changed that we don’t quite fit in anymore. We feel like foreign bodies in our own country.” Instead of sulking, they grabbed microphones. Now they’re exploring identity, language, belonging (or not belonging), and having a laugh along the way.
Who’s in the hot seat next?
They’ve already interviewed Aili (Canada → Haapsalu). Next up is Aubrey, who moved to Estonia, taught at a Ukrainian school, and ended up speaking Estonian himself. Guests are picked from their circles or recommended, so if you know someone with a juicy “outsider–insider” Estonian story, don’t hold back.
Why should Aussie Estonians tune in?
Well, isn’t it obvious? It’s educational and fun, with a side of cool guest appearances. But also:
Because Olga knows the Melbourne Estonian House inside out (she even had keys to the place – and once did a solo comedy show there).
Because you’ll hear stories about Australian Estonians that make you grin in recognition.
Because if you’ve ever felt like you don’t fully belong here or there — you’ll get it.
And because, let’s face it: two Estonian women bantering about Eurovision, breaking hearts, teaching history, reminiscing about their wild uni days, and giving you live AI lessons… need we go on? It’s irresistible.
One small catch
It’s in Estonian. No English subtitles, no excuses. But if you can handle Eurovision gossip, linguistic banter and dried-fish jokes, your reward is belly laughs and cultural therapy for free. Enjoy!
There’s something unforgettable about Estonian nature — its forests, lakes, bogs, beaches, and the kind of air that makes you stop and breathe deep. I might be biased (okay, I am) because I grew up there, but honestly, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else.
Over half of Estonia (51%) is forest. It’s home to six national parks, more than 1,500 lakes, and a staggering 2,317 islands scattered across the Baltic Sea. Bears, lynx, wolves, moose and foxes roam here (cue my ongoing joke with an Australian friend that Estonians are wild and run with wolves — inspired by a T-shirt I once wore with a wolf on it).
When I was a kid, school holidays lasted three glorious months. For nine months of the year, my strict-but-loved parents demanded academic excellence. But for those other three months? They shoved a sandwich into my hand at breakfast, shooed me out the door, and I was free. Free to roam the beach, wander the forests, and get lost in that in-between world where time didn’t exist.
To me, nature and freedom have been inseparable ever since.
Even today, no summer trip to Estonia feels complete without plunging into a forest lake — bonus points if it’s early morning and the mist is still rising, symphonies of birdsong in the air. And in winter, nothing beats walking in a silent forest, snow crackling underfoot, fir branches heavy with white, and catching snowflakes on the palm of your glove. These are the kinds of moments you carry with you forever.
Estonia is dotted with sacred places that even some locals don’t know about.
There are springs that never freeze, even in the depths of winter, and ancient oaks standing guard over the centuries. Our ancestors knew how to read the signs nature gave them; it’s a skill worth relearning.
And while you’re tuning in to nature’s whispers, don’t miss the drama of the land itself. Along the north coast, sheer limestone cliffs rise up from the Baltic Sea — Pakri’s rugged face near Paldiski, Türisalu’s dramatic drop just outside Tallinn, and Ontika’s dizzying 50-metre wall, the highest in the country. In winter, the waterfalls that tumble from these heights — like Jägala, Estonia’s own Niagara — turn into frozen cathedrals of ice.
Whether you’re tracing fossil-rich beaches, paddling through Soomaa’s “fifth season” floods, or standing at Taevaskoda where locals say the sky touches the earth, these are places where Estonia’s magic feels amplified — nature as a sanctuary, stage and storyteller all in one.
After years of living high above the streets of Melbourne — first on the 36th floor, then the 11th — I realised something was missing. Sure, the view was nice and the hot air balloons floated past, but the air felt different, and the noise never stopped.
In Estonia, you can breathe deep — it’s some of the cleanest air in the world. You can hear your own thoughts. You can jump into a forest lake and feel like a kid again (even if you’re just using your young nieces as an excuse to splash around).
Yes, there are mosquitoes — persistent, hungry little things (you can’t outrun them, I’ve tried). But unlike in Australia, nothing in the forest is actively plotting your demise. And those “1.5 poisonous snakes” we joke about? They’re harmless. Unless you count the trauma of stepping on one barefoot (still, don’t!).
Photo by Erik Karits from Pixabay.
So, if you’re heading to Estonia — whether for the first time or the fiftieth — here’s my slightly irreverent checklist of must-try nature experiences. Bonus points if you manage them all in one trip.
Your (slightly irreverent) Estonian nature bucket list
Stand in the middle of nowhere and listen
That sound? Nothing. Just wind in the pines, a few distant bird calls and your own heartbeat. Estonia’s unofficial national pastime.
Test the limits of your mosquito tolerance
Visit in midsummer and discover that Estonian mosquitoes are more persistent than your old Facebook friends.
Go mushroom hunting with an Estonian grandma
She’ll lead you 12 km in silence, fill a basket with chanterelles, and teach you 17 ways to pickle them — all before lunch. (I miss how in Estonia you can just walk into a forest and start picking mushrooms and berries… fresh tastes best!)
Survive a bonfire without losing your eyebrows
Midsummer’s Eve: giant fires, endless beer, and at least one person who thinks flame-jumping is a good idea.
Sauna, then ice bath
The ultimate shock-to-the-system: a wood-fired sauna followed by a dash outside and a plunge into a lake or an ice hole. You’ll emerge feeling reborn — and possibly yelping. (This one’s a national sport, impossible to avoid.)
Take the kiiking dare
No, not kicking — kiiking, the swinging sport. Swinging all the way over the top sounds easy… until you’re upside-down and reconsidering your life choices. (Must admit, I’ve only done this once, and with good reason.)
Leave only footprints, take only vitamin N
Nature has a way of slowing us down and fixing the bits of us that city life wears thin. Researchers call it “exposure to nature” and have found much evidence for its health and wellbeing effects. I call it Vitamin N — and Estonia is rich in it, ranking high on global charts.
When you visit, soak it in. Breathe the air. Touch the moss. But remember you’re a guest here, and leave it as you found it for the next wanderer to enjoy.
The University of Tartu Press has just released a fresh edition of “Symbol of Dawn: The Life and Times of the 19th-Century Estonian Poet Lydia Koidula” by Madli Puhvel.
First published in 1995 (with a reprint in 1999), this landmark English-language biography is now available again in an updated, beautifully designed edition with a few edits compared to the earlier version. An Estonian translation appeared in 2016/17 — both print runs sold out — but for English readers, this re-release is a rare chance to discover Koidula’s remarkable life and work.
More than a literary biography, Symbol of Dawn is also a vivid introduction to Estonian history and culture, written in clear, engaging English for an international audience. Drawing extensively on Koidula’s personal letters, Puhvel examines not only her creative achievements but also her role as a woman navigating the social constraints of her time.
Who is the author Madli Puhvel?
Born in Estonia and educated in England, Canada, and the United States, Madli Puhvel holds a doctorate from the University of California (UCLA). Alongside a distinguished academic career as a research scientist and professor of medicine at UCLA, she has nurtured a lifelong passion for literature, history and biography. Living most of her life in California, Puhvel brings both scholarly insight and international perspective to her writing. Symbol of Dawn reflects her deep connection to Estonia’s cultural heritage and her gift for making it accessible to English-speaking audiences.
Who was Lydia Koidula?
Lydia Koidula (1843–1886), born Lydia Jannsen, is often called the “mother of Estonian poetry”. She was the first great poet to write in Estonian, at a time when it was still unusual — even frowned upon — for women to publish their work. Her patriotic verses inspired a nation just emerging from centuries of serfdom, encouraging pride in the Estonian language and identity.
Koidula’s influence reached beyond poetry. She was also a journalist, playwright, and central figure in Estonia’s national awakening, working alongside her father, Johann Voldemar Jannsen, and cultural leaders such as Carl Robert Jakobson. Her poem Mu isamaa on minu arm (“My Fatherland is My Love”), set to music by Estonian composer Gustav Ernesaks, became an unofficial anthem during the Soviet occupation.
Though her life was marked by personal hardship and illness, Koidula’s literary legacy is woven into Estonia’s cultural fabric — from streets and schools bearing her name to the annual celebrations at the Koidula Museum in Pärnu, Estonia.
Fresh from the celebrations of Laulupidu, Kooskõlas Choir is ready to share the joy of Estonian song with new audiences. On Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 2.00 pm, the choir will perform as part of the Galston Sunset Concert Series, joined by special guest performer acclaimed Sydney organist Fiona Loader.
This event promises an afternoon of wonderful choral and organ music in one of the Hills Shire’s most beautiful settings.
The concert will take place at Galston Uniting Church (11 School Road, Galston NSW) — a modern and intimate venue surrounded by native Australian bushland. Known for its excellent acoustics and warm atmosphere, the church has been hosting an exciting series of concerts this year, from flamenco guitar and dance to piano works by Chopin, Liszt and Mendelssohn.
Kooskõlas is a mixed-voice national choir formed by members of the Estonian community across Australia. Under the direction of Dr Naomi Cooper, they will perform repertoire from this year’s Laulupidu, the Estonian Song Festival 2025 held in Tallinn.
Joining Kooskõlas for this special performance is celebrated Sydney-based organist Fiona Loader. Fiona’s career spans solo recitals at Gustaf Vasa Cathedral in Stockholm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Christ Church St Laurence and The Great Hall at Sydney University, to name a few. A strong advocate for women composers, she recently presented St Andrew’s Cathedral’s first-ever recital of organ music exclusively by female composers.
Fiona is an impressive vocalist, composer and educator, with works published by the Australian Music Centre and Orpheus Music. You can read more about Fiona here.
Whether you are an Estonian longing for the sounds of home, a lover of choral music, or simply curious to experience something new, this concert offers a unique blend of cultural tradition, vocal harmony and organ brilliance. We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring afternoon.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Esmée Okamoto for sharing this information with us!
That’s right. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent out a polite but clear message to Estonians around the world: we’re listening — talk to us.
Whether you’re sipping flat whites in Melbourne, recovering from Õllesummer in Tallinn, or dodging kangaroos in Queensland, this is your chance to chime in.
What’s all this about?
It’s called the Global Estonian Activity Plan (Üleilmse eestluse tegevuskava) — a fancy name for a very real thing. It’s Estonia’s way of staying connected to its people abroad: you, me, the folk who still speak fluent eesti keel (Estonian) and can whip up lihapirukad (meat pies) from memory. (Those of us who rely on online recipes are welcome to chime in too — thank goodness.)
The plan is currently getting a 2026–2029 upgrade, and the Foreign Ministry wants to make sure it actually reflects the lives, needs and dreams of Estonians living outside Estonia. (Fun fact: did you know there are 200,000 people of Estonian heritage living abroad? 15% of all Estonians!)
How to drop your two (euro) cents?
Simple. You have until 20 August 2025 to speak your mind.
📧 Send your thoughts, ideas or gentle (polite!) rants via email: diasporaa[at]mfa.ee 💬 Or drop a comment here: Click here
Because this plan affects everything from Estonian language lessons and cultural events, to support for returning expats, youth engagement, and whether you get emailed about the next Laulupidu or left in the dark. (Let’s be honest — no one would really be that cruel. You will get your email.)
It’s not just about waving a blue-black-white flag on public holidays — it’s about keeping Estonians abroad involved in shaping what Estonia is in the world.
🎥 Need inspiration?
No stress. You can catch the Global Estonian Networks Daytalks online — including greetings from the Foreign Minister, vision statements, and some very thoughtful takes on the future of Estonianness.
What you say could shape what Estonia does next. This is your chance to suggest that thing you’ve been muttering to your friends about for years. Or to tell Estonia what’s working. Or what’s missing.
Let’s help make the next version of the plan genuinely useful, inspiring — and relevant to us.
Be bold, be constructive, be you — Estonia can handle it. In fact, they welcome it!
Move over, Baz Luhrmann. Estonia has just delivered the boldest, bizarrest and perhaps most brilliant take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet the world has ever seen — featuring zero humans on stage, and a full cast of trucks, buses and construction machinery performing in a limestone quarry.
Titled Romula & Julia (a clever play on Romeo and the Estonian word romula — “junkyard”), this summer’s blockbuster from Kinoteater proves that high art can, in fact, run on diesel.
Forget love at first sight. In Rummu, it’s love at first rev.
Juliet is a flirty red Ford Ranger. Romeo? A rugged rally truck with a heart of steel. The balcony scene? Replaced by excavators waving their arms like Shakespearean drama queens. And when Tybalt and Mercutio throw down… it’s not with swords, but swinging mechanical arms and a tragic tumble off a cliff.
“I thought it was going to be ridiculous,” confessed one wide-eyed audience member, “but it was actually… sweet?” Another admitted they teared up when the vehicles “kissed”. Yes, kissed. You haven’t known romance until you’ve seen heavy machinery gently bump bonnets to the sound of Lovefool by The Cardigans.
Photo of Romula & Julia by Siim Vahur.
The result? A demolition derby of emotions — equal parts theatre, toybox nostalgia and Mad Max ballet.
Co-directed by Henrik Kalmet and Paavo Piik, and set against the eerily beautiful Rummu quarry, the production swaps dialogue for dust, fireworks and action. With over a dozen machines (including fire trucks, buses and a cement mixer painted with hearts), Romula & Julia plays out the timeless tragedy with zero lines but maximum torque.
Kalmet describes it as “like playing with life-sized toy cars, just like in childhood.” Piik says it’s an “experiment in how to show emotion through power and poetry — to ask, can machines fall in love?”
The answer is: yes. And they can do it on a one-hectare stage, with explosions.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare purist or a Top Gear tragic, one thing’s clear: Estonia just turned Romeo and Juliet into the hottest ticket of the summer. And Shakespeare? He’s probably spinning in his grave… but with admiration.
Dear Rio Tinto, take notes.
If Rio Tinto or BHP are ever serious about backing the arts, they might want to send a few dozers to Rummu for a workshop. This is the kind of theatre that digs deep — literally and emotionally.
Select: Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Canberra
Choose the relevant service (passport/ID-card – first-time or renewal)
Fill in your personal details
Select the date 30 August 2025 and choose an available time
In the final step, under “Please give specifying information for the selected service” write: ADELAIDE.
📌 Important stuff
Fingerprints are required for all new passport applications (except for children under 12).
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, please contact the Embassy beforehand to confirm the required documentation.
📧 The Embassy will email all booked applicants by 25 August 2025 with additional details including address, payment instructions and application forms.
