official-estonia:

During Soviet time, no matter what authorities did at the end of the Song Festival, they couldn’t stop Estonians singing “Mu isamaa on minu arm” because once 30 000 people start to sing at once – you can not silence them.

official-estonia:

Part 7: Pop, Electronic & Dance

Some history:

After the restoration of independence in 1991, problems caused by culture and politics were replaced with problems caused by the economy. Vinyls were no longer as popular and CDs were expensive. Estonia started taking part in Eurovision Song Contest. Many artists and producers started their careers and many new bands were formed.

Artists and bands from other countries were asked to come to Estonia to perform: Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Rolling Stones. 

It all continued in the 00s and also now! More music is created, more bands and artists start their careers. 

(Under the cut because it’s a long list.)

Keep reading

official-estonia:

Fosforiidisõda (The Phosphorite War)

The Phosphorite War is the name given to a late-1980s environmental campaign in the then-Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, against the opening of large phosphorite mines in the Virumaa region.

The phosphorite issue became known to the general public on February 24th 1987, which is often used to mark the start of the Phosphorite War. On this day Moscow’s plans to expand phosphorite mining in Northern Estonia were revealed on Estonian TV.

Numerous protests broke out and petitions were signed against the new mines. The question came to a head in spring 1987 in an unprecedented public debate. In April students from Tartu University held a meeting in the main hall of the university and unanimously condemned the actions of the leadership of the Estonian SSR. At traditional May Day demonstrations, students carried slogans against phosphorite mining and wore yellow t-shirts with the text “Phosphorite – no thanks”, which became extremely popular.

The song Ei ole üksi ükski maa by Alo Mattiisen (lyrics by Jüri Leesment), made in 1987, became the “hymn” of the Phosphorite War.

ekslemine:

After a string of warm, dry days, the rain came in the afternoon. A torrent. And then it cleared. The perfect time to find the botanical gardens just down the street and go for a walk.

The botanical gardens of Tartu University, Estonia, were founded in 1803 by Professor G.A. Germann. (Pictured below)

They have existed in their current location since 1806, and the design remains nearly unchanged more than two centuries later. 

The gardens now contain examples of about 10,000 species of plants, including most species of plants found in Estonia. The landscaping of the garden is gorgeous, and it includes a wide variety of stone sculptures placed throughout the grounds.

Here’s a some more garden views.

official-estonia:

The
original flag of Estonia survived Soviet occupation thanks to two members of Estonian
Students Society, who hid it behind their farmhouse’s chimney wall for 50
years.

Nowadays, the original flag of Estonia is on proud display at the Estonian National Museum in Tartu.