Liis sharing the delicious kringel she baked at the Mother's Day celebration in Melbourne, 4 May 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
There’s something in the air this spring — and it smells like cardamom, cinnamon and freshly baked memories. The Estonian Societies in Sydney and Melbourne are bringing the joy of baking to our communities with not one, but two kringel workshops!
Whether you’re a baking enthusiast, a curious foodie, or just someone who enjoys a good Estonian afternoon tea, this is your chance to learn the ropes (or braids!) of one of Estonia’s most beloved baked goods.
🥨What is kringel, you ask?
Kringel is Estonia’s show-stopper braided bread — a soft, yeasty delight that can be swirled with sweet fillings like cinnamon, raisins and cardamom, or turned savoury with cheese, herbs and garlic. It’s a favourite at festive tables and family gatherings, admired not just for its taste but for its stunning, braided design.
Shaped by hand, glazed with love, and shared with joy — kringel is comfort, culture and celebration in every slice. And now, you can learn to make it yourself — from scratch!
Sydney
🥨 SYDNEY: Kringel Baking Workshop 📍 Sydney Estonian House, 141 Campbell Street, Surry Hills 🗓️ Saturday 13 September 2025 🕥 10:30 AM for 11:00 AM start – finishes at 3:00 PM 💰 $50 Visitors | $45 Sydney Estonian Society Members 🎟️ Tickets: www.trybooking.com/DDXMT
Learn to make sweet and savoury kringel, taste your creations, enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea and some great company! Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome. All ingredients and recipe cards are included.
Melbourne
🥨 MELBOURNE: Kringel Making Workshop 📍 Estonian House, 43 Melville Rd, Brunswick West 🗓️ Saturday 4 October 2025 🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 💰 $60 per person 🎟️ Tickets: events.humanitix.com/kringel-making-workshop
Expect a fun-filled day of hands-on baking, hot drinks and hyggelig vibes. You’ll walk away with a warm kringel, new skills, a recipe card, and most likely a few new friends. It’s the perfect Saturday.
Who is Anu Läänesaar, you ask?
Anu Läänesaar is the spirited soul behind these workshops — a passionate hobby baker with a love for traditional Estonian recipes and a knack for teaching them in the most heartwarming way. Her kringel-making skills have been passed down and perfected over years, and she’s on a mission to make sure this much loved Estonian staple keeps baking its way into kitchens and hearts across Australia. Her workshops are fun, friendly and full of good energy — just like Anu herself.
So grab your apron, bring your curiosity (and maybe an empty stomach), and join us for a deliciously memorable day in either Sydney or Melbourne.
“Even the snails had their rahvariided on!” That’s what Kaili Salu from the Melbourne-based Kodu Kaja choir said after returning from the Song Festival in Tallinn — and frankly, who could argue?
This year’s Laulu- ja Tantsupidu was drenched in tradition, emotion and actual rainfall. Folk costumes weren’t just worn — they practically sprouted from the soil. Toddlers, pensioners, pets and yes, symbolically stylish snails — if it moved, it was probably dressed to the (folk) nines.
Rahvariided — a legacy on hangers
Estonian national dress isn’t something you throw on like a novelty Christmas jumper. These are lovingly handwoven masterpieces, steeped in symbolism, local patterns and family lore. They are commissioned years in advance. They are heirlooms with hemlines.
My sister — dressmaker and unofficial rahvariided whisperer — tells me every set is one of a kind, made with thought and intention. Wearing one is not just a style choice; it’s a whole vibe. You carry your lineage in your linen, your region in your ribbons. And somehow, you stand straighter in the rain when you’re buttoned into your roots.
A festival or a catwalk? Why not both
Let’s be honest — this year’s festival felt like a runway show curated by the ancestors. Haapsalu lace, Muhu stripes, Setomaa belts woven tighter than my travel budget — it was all there, worn with pride and punctuated by the occasional squeaky shoe.
And in true Estonian fashion (pun fully intended), there’s now an official Rahvariided Day. Oh, and a Woven Belt Day. Because if we’re going to celebrate anything with national zeal, it might as well be accessories.
Estonian Dance Festival, 4 July 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
The intergenerational show of belonging
Before my first folk dance performance in Melbourne, I needed a costume. I didn’t know where to start — until an older Estonian lady opened her home, scanned me up and down, then disappeared into a cupboard. She returned with a perfectly fitted outfit and a classic no-nonsense nod: “Now you’ll feel like you belong.”
And she was right.
She dressed me like a mother would — layering, adjusting, belt-tightening — with a quiet reverence that made me realise just how special this all was. The costume even turned out to match my own mum’s ancestral region. A total fluke — or fate in wool?
As she showed me the matching stockings for cold days and the teeny handbag for essentials (what essentials… a sneaky safety pin? singing throat lozenges?), we shared stories, laughter, and something deeper. I missed my mum. And I silently promised to stop whining about being used as her mannequin growing up.
That wonderful lady is now a dear friend. And that moment — a belt, a hug, a knowing smile — was my ticket into a tradition stitched in kindness.
Estonian Dance Festival, 4 July 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
Skirts and shirts travelling the world
This year, those in rahvariided became part of something even bigger: world-renowned British photographer Jimmy Nelson set up portrait studios at Kalevi Stadium and the Song Festival Grounds to photograph people in traditional Estonian folk costumes — not just dancers and choir members, but anyone lucky enough to be wrapped in stripes and symbolism.
His previous works hang in major galleries from London to New York. The Estonian images will appear in a new book and international exhibition celebrating Eastern European cultures — meaning that yes, your fringe, your brooch, your slightly damp wool skirt could end up travelling the world.
Estonian Dance Festival, 4 July 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
No wonder the snails too wanted in on the action
I’m told that in years gone by, Melbourne Estonians wore national costume to almost every gathering. Perhaps it’s time we bring that magic back. Not just for special occasions — but to honour the beautifully stitched, slightly itchy, joy-filled symbols of who we are.
So next time someone says, “Here, try this on,” and hands you a folk costume from a cupboard — say yes. You never know where it might take you.
And honestly, if the snails can rock a belt and stripes, so can we.
Estonian Dance Festival, 4 July 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay. AI-generated.
Estonia is once again leading the way in digital innovation — this time by bringing artificial intelligence (AI) directly into high school classrooms. A new government initiative called AI Leap 2025 is set to launch this September, providing 20,000 Estonian students with access to educational chatbots built specifically for learning.
Unlike commercial AI tools, the new system will be developed to support Estonia’s curriculum and language, acting as a personalised tutor that helps students engage, think critically, and build real skills, rather than simply spitting out answers. The project aims to bridge both the digital divide and socioeconomic gaps, offering all students equal access to smart learning support.
According to Siim Sikkut, one of the great minds behind the initiative, the real value lies not just in exposure to AI, but in learning how to use it ethically, effectively and critically. The program will also help students learn to navigate issues like misinformation and AI “hallucinations” — skills they’ll need not just in school, but in future workplaces.
Siim Sikkut served as Estonia’s Chief Information Officer from 2017 to 2022, where he played a key role in shaping the country’s digital government, cybersecurity policy and tech infrastructure. He is now Managing Partner at Digital Nation, a consulting firm helping governments around the world to modernise and digitise public services.
Estonians in Australia, get ready – the wildly popular Estonian podcast duo Salajutud (“Secret Chats”) is coming to town! Actually… to three towns: Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth this September.
For the first time ever, Mallukas and Kristina Pärtelpoeg — Estonia’s best-known no-filter storytellers — are bringing their live chat-show to the southern hemisphere. If you’ve ever longed to hear Estonian gossip out loud, laugh until your Vegemite gets stuck mid-gasp, or simply miss that unapologetically honest Estonian humour — this is your moment.
Expect an evening of spicy secrets, hilariously awkward stories, deep thoughts about life, love and the occasional bodily fluid — all wrapped up in laughter and bold honesty. No topic is too taboo and no story too personal as these two besties dive into the wonderfully messy reality of being human (and Estonian).
Whether you’re into outrageous dating disasters, “did-they-really-just-say-that” tales, or real talk about identity and self-worth — Salajutud will make you laugh, wince, and maybe even cry a little.
Tour dates and tickets
All events are in Estonian and 18+ only. Early bird tickets: €65 + booking fee. Grab yours before they sell out!
Gold Coast
[UPDATE: SADLY, THIS EVENT ON GOLD COAST HAS BEEN CANCELLED]
🗓️ Friday, 12 September 2025 📍 Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, QLD 4220 ⏰ Doors open 6 PM | Show starts 7 PM 🎟️ Book tickets here ♿ Accessible venue – contact organisers in advance for special access arrangements
Sydney
🗓️ Wednesday, 17 September 2025 📍 Sydney Eesti Maja, 141 Campbell Street, NSW 2010 ⏰ Doors open 6 PM | Show starts 7 PM 🎟️ Book tickets here ♿ Accessible venue – contact organisers in advance for special access arrangements
Perth
🗓️ Friday, 19 September 2025 📍 VIN & Flower, 361 Newcastle Street, WA 6003 ⏰ Doors open 6 PM | Show starts 7 PM 🎟️ Book tickets here
Who are Mallukas and Kristina?
You may know them as Estonia’s most unfiltered podcast voices or social media stars — but together, Mallukas and Kristina are the creators and hosts of Salajutud, a chart-topping podcast that’s sold out venues like the 2000-seat Alexela Concert Hall. Their honest, no-holds-barred conversations touch on everything from deeply personal listener letters to society’s unwritten rules and messy moments we all pretend don’t happen.
Want a sneak peek?
Check out this Kroonika article or follow them on Instagram at @salajutud_podcast for a taste of what’s to come.
Questions?
Email the organisers at pahadtudrukud[at]gmail.com Tour organised by PARTELSON OÜ.
It’s not every day a community committee swaps their meeting notes for microphones and dance shoes — but that’s exactly what happened this July, when five powerhouse women from the Estonian Society of Sydney took to the stage at Laulu- ja Tantsupidu 2025 in Tallinn.
Of the Society’s nine committee members, five are women — and incredibly, all five were on stage: singing, dancing, or (in one very impressive case!) doing both. Add to that one committee member who made the journey to support from the audience, and that’s six out of nine represented in Tallinn. Not a bad showing for a volunteer-run committee based on the other side of the globe!
Who was where (and doing what)
Here’s a snapshot of what our talented Sydney women were up to in Estonia.
AveNukki, the fearless President of the Estonian Society in Sydney, sang with Kooskõlas Choir
SiiriIismaa, our Secretary, also lent her voice to Kooskõlas
LiaChinnery, who keeps the meeting minutes on point, joined them in song too
TaimiMaidla, the creative spark behind the socials, danced with the folk dance group Virmalised
And XimonieClark, our multi-talented Treasurer, did both — dancing and singing her way through the festival!
We couldn’t be prouder. They give so much of their time and energy to the community year-round — and then they went and gave even more on the biggest cultural stage Estonia has to offer.
Estonian women leading the way
In a fitting twist of synchronicity, this year’s festival was also the first time all three general directors of Laulu- ja Tantsupidu were women.
Heli Jürgenson led the Song Celebration as Artistic Director
Helena-Mariana Reimann, who some of you may remember from her visit to Australia last November for the Virmalised dance training weekend, was the head organiser of the Dance Celebration
Helin Pihlap directed the Folk Music Celebration.
The message couldn’t be clearer: Estonian women are not just participating — they’re leading, creating, inspiring and keeping culture alive wherever they go.
A celebration of kinship — across generations and continents
For all of us, this wasn’t just another festival. It was a gathering of hearts, voices and generations — a living, breathing reminder that wherever we are in the world, we are connected. Through song. Through dance. Through kinship.
And in this story, Estonian women were absolutely centre stage.
Elagu Eesti naised — Long live Estonian women! 💙
P.S. Gentlemen, we see you too!
We’d love to write about our awesome Estonian Australian men next time — so this is your friendly call-out to join the committees of Estonian societies across Australia (and start dancing and/or singing). That way, come festival time in 2028, you’ll be front and centre in our stories too. (And hey, if we missed you this time — don’t be shy! Write to us at news[at]eesti.org.au and let us know.)
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Ave Nukki for this information and poster!
More inspiration?
If you haven’t seen it yet, check out this wonderful article published by The Guardian on 23 July 2025: “Women are the guardians of our culture’: why Kihnu is Estonia’s island of true equality”
This month’s Global Estonian newsletter is packed with inspiration, celebration and a sense of shared purpose. Fresh off the heels of ESTO 2025 and the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration, this July edition captures the magic of what it means to be part of the worldwide Estonian family.
The Global Estonian newsletter gives a powerful snapshot of the moments that defined ESTO and the Song and Dance Festival (Laulu- ja Tantsupidu) this year. Highlights include:
A message from ESTO President Sirle Sööt, who beautifully captures the spirit of the event: “ESTO, together with the Song and Dance Festival, are like roots and wings: they anchor us to our culture and language, while also giving us the strength to fly.”
Reflections on Kinship, this year’s Song and Dance Festival theme, with video highlights, commentary and voices from around the world.
A stirring speech from Estonian President Alar Karis, who addressed the ESTO Youth Congress and reminded us: “You are the beacons of Estonia.”
The ESTO 2025 Business Seminar and Future Forum that included some Australian Estonian voices.
Beautiful features on Estonian sacred natural sites, global Estonian youth experiences and the newly launched international Estonian women’s network, The Lydia.
Photo by Peeter Põldre, Eesti Elu https://eestielu.ca.
Smartphones come by their names honestly. Irrespective of brand, their camera is a very useful complement to DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.
Based on my recent photography adventures at the Estonian Song and Dance Festival, here are some perspectives, with examples, of the value of having a smartphone’s camera handy.
Firstly, it will almost always be handy and therefore will be able to quickly capture images that might be fleeting in nature or for which setting up a “real” camera may be too cumbersome. Spontaneous photos of people are a good example, as seen in the photo gallery below. Smartphones are also capable of remarkable video quality.
As I was away from my home photo editing software for several weeks, smartphone images provided a way to post a few images on Instagram while on location. They can be very useful for unusual lighting situations. I also use them as a back-up for special photos, just in case the ones in the camera do not turn out as nicely.
However, the following two reasons were the most important for me during this past trip: the smartphone camera became my mainstay for photographing in the rain when I was unable to find shelter for my somewhat more expensive mirrorless cameras. And finally, and without a doubt of most importance for me, the panoramic photo capabilities of the smartphone are superb and can render wonderful images that capture the immense dimensions of a special place like Tallinn or of a special event such as the Song and Dance Festival.
Peeter Põldre, an accredited photographer, has written many insightful articles for Eesti Elu, offering useful tips and thought-provoking perspectives on photography — an inspiring read for any aspiring photographer. Linked below are recent articles and photo galleries by Peeter from the Estonian Song and Dance Festival (Laulu- ja Tantsupidu).
The legendary Estonian rock band Terminaator is coming to Australia this November — and for many of us who grew up singing their unforgettable anthems, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Get ready to belt out your favourites live and loud in Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast!
Terminaator has long been part of Estonia’s musical DNA. Known for iconic hits like “Juulikuu lumi,” “Carmen,” and “Romula,” the band’s poetic lyrics, high-voltage rock energy, and the unmistakable voice of frontman Jaagup Kreem have made them a beloved name since the 1990s.
This is the event of the year for Estonians in Australia — and okay, we’ll admit it, we might be a little biased… but only because we’ve had “Juulikuu lumi” stuck in our heads since… forever.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Estonia’s most legendary bands up close. It’s going to be epic.
🎤 Tour dates and venues
Perth
🗓️ Friday 21 November 2025 📍 Nedlands Yacht Club, The Esplanade, Nedlands WA ⏰ Doors open 6pm | Show starts 7pm 🎟️ Book tickets here
Sydney
🗓️ Friday 28 November 2025 📍 Sydney Eesti Maja, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW ⏰ Doors open 6pm | Show starts 7pm 🎟️ Book tickets here 💸 Early bird tickets available for $100!
Gold Coast
🗓️ Saturday 29 November 2025 📍 Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD ⏰ Doors open 6pm | Show starts 7pm 🎟️ Book tickets here
Tickets
Limited early bird tickets available (unless already sold out): $100 General admission: $135 At the door: $150
In Perth: Youth (7–17) $40 | Kids under 7 free with a parent Sydney & Gold Coast events are 18+ only
🍴 On-site food and bar available
Please note: No outside food/drinks or pets allowed.
This comes highly recommended…
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Terminaator for the first time, this promises to be an unforgettable night of Estonian rock music. So dust off your band tees, grab your mates, and don’t miss your chance to sing along with one of Estonia’s finest.
EstWest, the Estonian society in Western Australia, is excited to announce that our very first newsletter will launch this August — and we plan to publish it monthly! The newsletter will be in Estonian and English. Subscribe below and look forward to seeing it pop into your inbox.
We’ve long felt the need for a newsletter of our own. In today’s world, overflowing with information from every direction, it’s hard to get noticed without a big corporate advertising budget. As a result, smaller but meaningful cultural initiatives often get buried under the noise. It’s time to change that!
Thanks to the support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus), we’re finally able to bring our long-standing idea to life.
🎉Our very first edition of the EstWest newsletter will be published this August🎉
Each issue will be packed with meaningful and engaging content from our community, including: • interviews with inspiring people • highlights from cultural initiatives (like our playgroup, dance troupe, and Estonian “school”) • funny moments and real-life stories • recaps and highlights from past events • upcoming events and meet-ups • kids’ and youth corner • opinion and commentary.
Your input is welcome!
We’d also love to hear from you! Contributions, feedback, and ideas are more than welcome. If you’d like to get involved or have something to share, you can email us at info[at]estwest.org.au
The Estonian Solaride team’s high-tech solar car has officially landed in Australia ahead of the world’s biggest solar-powered vehicle race — the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, taking place from 24–30 August 2025. While the full team will fly in shortly, their remarkable car is already on the ground and getting tuned up for the 3,000 km journey from Darwin to Adelaide.
Why is this exciting? Because this is innovation on wheels — powered entirely by the sun.
About the race
Since 1987, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge has brought together some of the brightest young minds in science, engineering and design. University teams from around the world race their solar-powered cars through Australia’s extreme outback conditions, testing endurance, innovation, and solar smarts.
About Team Solaride
Solaride began in Estonia in 2020 as the dream of two students from the University of Tartu. It has grown into a powerful education and innovation movement, bringing together over 300 students, mentors and partners from across Estonia’s top universities over the years. This year marks their second time competing in the World Solar Challenge. In 2023, Solaride made history by placing third in the Cruiser class on their very first attempt.
Meet Solaride III
This year’s car — Solaride III Enefit — is built for endurance and practicality in extreme Australian conditions:
Top speed: 120 km/h Range: 750 km Seats: 2 Drag coefficient: 0.13
Designed with safety, solar efficiency and passenger comfort in mind.
Solaride III Enefit. Photo by the Solaride Team.
Why it matters?
Solaride isn’t just about racing — it’s about preparing the next generation of leaders in sustainable engineering and mobility. The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge offers a real-world testbed where students become changemakers.
📦 A big shoutout to sponsors and supporters like Nefab, the Ministry of Education and Research, EIS, Enefit, TalTech, University of Tartu, YOLO Group, and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who made it possible to fly the car to Australia in a special container.
Greetings from a chilly +10°C day in Melbourne, where I’m currently wrapped in what might be the cosiest, ugliest thing ever invented — my brand new Mõnnakas, gifted by my mum as I left Estonia this week. It’s warm, ridiculous, oversized, and exactly what I need in a country that builds houses like insulation is a conspiracy theory. Thanks, Estonia — your bear hug lingers.
As someone freshly returned from her annual dopamine dose of Estonian summer, I confess: I’m still raw around the edges. Half my heart is still over there — with family, friends, those magical midsummer forests, and the distant aftertaste of Kalevi chocolate. I’m still mentally processing the full-body goosebumps that came with Laulu- ja Tantsupidu, and I haven’t stopped missing all the events or people I didn’t manage to squeeze in.
This time around, Estonia really tested me. It kept the warm beach weather hostage until the very last day of my trip — rude! No proper beach bumming for me, though I did brave some early morning strolls by the sea where the rain politely made room for a rainbow. Magical? Yes. Bikini weather? Not quite.
One memorable moment was a walk along Pirita pier with my childhood friend — Estonian soul talk, the sea wind in our hair, and me enthusiastically recounting a recent mind-blowing festival in the middle of the woods near Haapsalu (cold, rainy, unforgettable). That’s also when I was introduced to the aforementioned Mõnnakas — a brilliant Estonian invention that looks like a cross between a monk’s robe and a Kmart onesie, and apparently makes you look deeply unsexy but feel gloriously snug.
Between family dinners and festival hopping, there were everyday gems: a horrifying (yet weirdly fascinating) conversation with a friend who now collects snails from his garden in a saucepan and… well, let’s just say they don’t live to see the next morning. He swore it’s the most humane method — apparently there’s a full-blown snail epidemic in Estonia. I swore I’d never eat escargot.
There were the beach jokes — as always. A mate messaged me from Pärnu: “Went for a swim. Well, a paddle. The water’s 1.5 feet deep.” I replied, “Estonians consider it swimming once all ten toes are wet.” 😂 And we both knew — in Estonia, lying on your stomach in knee-deep water absolutely qualifies as swimming.
This trip included morning coffees with my mum (a cherished ritual), wild garden weeding with friends in Haabneeme (who says catch-ups have to happen in cafés?), epic meetups with global Estonians doing brilliant things, three graduations in my family (yes, three!), forest lake swims with my sister and her kids (a non-negotiable summer favourite), and very Estonian moments — like trying to dodge an old flame at a crowded festival while pretending to admire the handicrafts.
Oh, and saunas. Obviously. One particularly freezing festival day ended in a mixed sauna situation — my friend and I in swimsuits, three completely naked Estonian blokes next to us, chatting like they were at a bus stop. No one bats an eyelid. Classic Estonia.
What else? There was that magical swing in the middle of Raekoja plats (try it with a friend or someone you feel a spark with — trust me), late-night writing marathons, and the kind of jam-packed schedule that only Estonian summer can deliver. One weekend alone tried to lure me simultaneously to keskajapäevad, merepäevad, hansapäevad, and two other festivals — all within driving distance. It’s like Estonia dares you to try and attend everything at once.
But here’s the truth — for those of us living abroad, visiting Estonia is not a holiday. It’s a mission. A reunion. A whirlwind of hugs, concerts, catch-ups, and chasing sunshine. It’s intense. It’s beautiful. It’s soul medicine.
Next time, I promise myself a bit more leisure and a bit less cramming. But until then, I carry Estonia with me — in WhatsApp chats, in Mõnnakas warmth, in mum’s handmade dresses hanging in my cupboard, and in my heart.
So here I am, back in Melbourne, sending you this postcard with much gratitude and longing.
Estonia, you were wild, emotional, unpredictable and unforgettable. As always. See you again soon — maybe with sunnier beach weather next time?
Esmée Okamoto and Donna Mak (to the right) enjoying ice cream dedicated to Laulu- ja tantsupidu. Photo from the private collection of Esmée Okamoto.
As the final notes of Laulupidu ring out over the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn, the echoes of ESTO 2025 linger in the hearts of those who took part. For Donna Mak, a Hong Kong-Chinese Australian member of the national Kooskõlas Choir, this summer’s cultural journey was more than a performance opportunity — it was a profound lesson in unity, resilience, and the quiet power of song.
What drew you to join an Estonian choir?
We wondered what first drew Donna to join an Estonian choir, especially without a personal or cultural connection. Was there a moment or experience that sparked your interest in Estonian music or community?
“I heard about Laulupidu while chatting with a colleague at a medical conference. Being a member of 2 choirs in Perth, I was already familiar with Arvo Pärt’s music and Estonia’s strong choral singing tradition. After reading about Laulupidu and the singing revolution I knew I needed experience it as a choir member rather than just being in the audience. I knew my colleague, who is not Estonian, had sung in Laulupidu in 2019 so I asked him for his contact person in Kooskõlas and signed up.”
“The ability to join weekly rehearsals via video conference and the warm welcome I received from each and every Kooskõlas member made me feel part of the community from day one.”
Photo of Esmée Okamoto and Donna Mak dancing in Raekoja plats to RÜÜT. Photo by Sandra Rakebrandt.
Donna didn’t just join the choir — she dove in headfirst. From catching the “redeye special” from Perth to Sydney for every national rehearsal (true dedication!) to squeezing in almost every ESTO 2025 tour, concert, and cultural event she could when in Estonia and Sweden. She fully embraced the adventure which included spontaneous folk dancing with Esmée in Raekoja Plats to the sounds of RÜÜT and experiencing her very first sauna — because sauna-ing is inevitable when you hang out with Estonians, it’s only a matter of time! 😄 Her passion, curiosity, and go-for-it spirit brought a spark to every part of the journey.
Donna’s first sauna experience — a fond memory shared with Karel Baum and Esmée Okamoto. Photo by Esmée Okamoto.
A cultural celebration beyond borders
Held every four years, ESTO (the Global Estonian Cultural Festival) is a gathering of Estonians and friends of Estonia from across the diaspora. ESTO 2025, which took place in Tallinn, Stockholm and Narva, featured concerts, exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and plenty of singing — all building momentum toward Estonia’s national song and dance celebration, Laulupidu.
“I didn’t even know about ESTO 2025 when I first signed up for Laulupidu,” Donna admits. “But being part of it turned out to be a huge bonus — it opened my eyes to how deeply singing and dancing contribute to the strength and sustainability of a culture.”
This year’s ESTO drew participation from over 30 countries, offering both Estonians and non-Estonians the chance to engage with the country’s rich history, artistic expression, and forward-looking global community. For Donna, representing Kooskõlas at the Estonian Embassy reception in Stockholm was an especially proud moment.
“I felt very special being there,” she said. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming — even though I don’t have Estonian heritage, I felt completely included.”
Six members of Kooskõlas proudly pose with the Laulu- ja Tantsupidu “Iseoma” flame in Narva. From left: Siiri Iismaa, Karel Baum, Esmée Okamoto, Donna Mak, Pia Raynard, and Choir Director Kieran Scott. Each member had the honour of holding the flame as it was passed along the line of singers on the street. Photo from the private collection of Esmée Okamoto.
Highlights from Narva and Tallinn
Among the many emotional and musical high points of her journey, Donna recalls singing in the courtyard of Narva Castle during ESTO’s Narva concert and joining the song torch procession, a symbolic relay that carries the spirit of the festival from town to town.
“To witness — and be part of — a culture that sang its way out of foreign occupation to freedom… it’s something to admire and aspire to.”
Her experience was also enriched by cultural tours, particularly in Tallinn:
“We visited places that aren’t usually open to the public, with guides who offered really interesting perspectives. I especially enjoyed the film The Paradox of Seabrook Farm and the Q&A with the director and people featured in the film — it gave me so much to think about.”
Laulupidu: A once-in-a-lifetime feeling
The trip culminated in Laulupidu, the Estonian Song Festival, which saw over 40,000 performers and 80,000 audience members gather for two days of rain, unity, and joy.
“How does that happen — days of rain and still everyone in high spirits?” Donna reflects. “Maybe it’s the power of music, song, and dance in a non-competitive context. The sense of unity, pride, and joy is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
“How does that happen — days of rain and still everyone in high spirits? … Maybe it’s the power of music, song, and dance in a non-competitive context. The sense of unity, pride, and joy is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
As someone new to Estonian culture, Donna was deeply moved by the festival’s emotional resonance and historical weight:
“Singing predates speech in both human evolution and individual development. It comes from primal parts of our brain and allows us to connect in ways speech cannot. To witness — and be part of — a culture that sang its way out of foreign occupation to freedom… it’s something to admire and aspire to.”
Kooskõlas at Laulupidu 2025. Photo from the private collection of Esmée Okamoto.
A clear message to future participants
When asked if she’d recommend the experience to others, Donna doesn’t hesitate:
“Yes, yes, yes! If you have the opportunity to participate in ESTO and/or Laulupidu, just do it — even if you don’t have Estonian roots. Music unites us all.”
Her advice for future participants in ESTO 2029 or Laulupidu 2028? Come with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be transformed.
“You’ll leave with more than memories — you’ll carry the music, the stories, and the spirit of Estonia will stay in your heart forever.”
Elagu Eesti! — Long live Estonia!
“You’ll leave with more than memories — you’ll carry the music, the stories, and the spirit of Estonia will stay in your heart forever.”
