| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Epiphany | Observance |
| Thursday | Feb 02,2023 | Anniversary of Tartu Peace Treaty | Observance |
| Friday | Feb 24,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Mar 14,2023 | Mother Tongue Day | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mothers' Day | Observance |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Pentecost | National holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 04,2023 | Flag Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Jun 14,2023 | Day of Mourning | Observance |
| Friday | Jun 23,2023 | Victory Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Jun 24,2023 | Midsummer Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Aug 20,2023 | Independence Restoration Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Aug 23,2023 | Day of Remembrance for Victims of Communism and Nazism | Observance |
| Sunday | Sep 10,2023 | Grandparents' Day | Observance |
| Friday | Sep 22,2023 | Resistance Day | Observance |
| Saturday | Oct 21,2023 | Finno-Ugric Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Nov 02,2023 | All Soul's Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Nov 12,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Nov 16,2023 | Day of Declaration of Sovereignty | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Boxing Day | National holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Uusaasta" in Estonia, is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the new year. It's a time for Estonians to reflect on the past year's achievements and look forward to new opportunities. People gather with family and friends for festive parties and fireworks displays, fostering a sense of togetherness and hope for the future. New Year's Day is culturally significant as it symbolizes renewal and fresh starts.
Epiphany, or "Kolmekuningapäev," is observed on January 6th in Estonia. It commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. Estonians attend church services and participate in various cultural traditions, such as "star singing" and blessing their homes. Epiphany reinforces the importance of faith and spirituality in Estonian culture, promoting a sense of unity among believers.
The Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the signing of the treaty between Estonia and Soviet Russia in 1920. It recognized Estonia's independence and ended the Estonian War of Independence. Estonians commemorate this historic event with ceremonies and speeches. The holiday holds immense cultural importance as it symbolizes Estonia's sovereignty and the struggle for independence.
Independence Day, known as "Iseseisvuspäev," is celebrated on February 24th to commemorate Estonia's declaration of independence from Russia in 1918. It's a significant national holiday filled with parades, concerts, and flag-raising ceremonies. Independence Day highlights Estonian patriotism and cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of freedom and self-determination.
Mother Tongue Day, or "Emakeelepäev," celebrated on March 14th, honors the Estonian language and culture. It pays tribute to the poet Kristjan Jaak Peterson, who played a pivotal role in Estonian language and literature. Schools and cultural organizations organize events to promote the Estonian language, fostering a strong cultural connection to their linguistic heritage.
Good Friday, or "Suur Reede," is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Estonians attend church services and reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It's a day of solemnity and spiritual contemplation, deepening the cultural ties to Christianity and reinforcing the importance of faith in the lives of Estonians.
Easter Sunday, known as "Ülestõusmispühade esimene päev," is a joyous Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's marked by church services, Easter egg hunts, and festive meals. Families gather to share traditional dishes like "pirukad" (filled pastries) and exchange decorated eggs. Easter Sunday strengthens the cultural significance of Christianity and promotes family togetherness and goodwill.
Labor Day, or "Kevadpüha," is celebrated on May 1st and honors workers' rights and contributions. It includes parades, speeches, and cultural events that emphasize the importance of fair labor practices and social equality. Labor Day fosters a sense of solidarity among workers and highlights their role in Estonia's cultural and economic development.
Mothers' Day, known as "Emadepäev," is a day to express gratitude and love for mothers. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, it includes giving flowers, cards, and spending quality time with mothers. It emphasizes the cultural importance of family bonds and maternal love in Estonian society.
Pentecost, or "Nelipühade esimene päev," is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. It marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Estonians attend church services and participate in religious processions. Pentecost strengthens the cultural ties to Christianity and provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and community engagement.
Flag Day, known as "Eesti lipu päev," is celebrated on June 4th to honor the Estonian flag. It's marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. The blue, black, and white colors of the flag hold deep cultural significance, symbolizing Estonia's history, nature, and the spirit of the people. Flag Day reinforces national pride and unity, emphasizing the importance of the flag in Estonian culture.
The Day of Mourning, observed on June 14th, commemorates the mass deportation of Estonians to Siberia by the Soviet Union in 1941. It's a day of remembrance and reflection, with ceremonies and cultural events honoring the victims of this tragic event. The Day of Mourning highlights the resilience of the Estonian people and serves as a cultural reminder of the country's history and the need to preserve its independence.
Victory Day, or "Võidupüha," celebrated on June 23rd, marks the victory in the Battle of Võnnu in 1919 during the Estonian War of Independence. It's a national holiday featuring military parades, concerts, and cultural activities. Victory Day instills a sense of national pride and unity, reminding Estonians of their history and the sacrifices made for their independence.
Midsummer Day, known as "Jaanipäev," is celebrated on June 24th and is one of the most beloved holidays in Estonia. It coincides with the summer solstice and involves bonfires, traditional dances, and merrymaking. It's a cultural celebration of nature and the longest day of the year, emphasizing the importance of Estonian folklore and traditions. Midsummer Day brings communities together to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Independence Restoration Day, celebrated on August 20th, commemorates the restoration of Estonia's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It includes flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, and cultural events. The holiday is a powerful symbol of Estonia's resilience and determination to regain its sovereignty, reinforcing the cultural significance of independence and freedom.
The Day of Remembrance for Victims of Communism and Nazism, observed on August 23rd, pays tribute to the victims of totalitarian regimes. It includes memorial ceremonies, discussions, and cultural activities that promote awareness of the atrocities committed during these periods. The holiday underscores the importance of human rights, democracy, and remembrance in Estonian culture, encouraging a commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future.
Grandparents' Day, or "Vanavanemate päev," is celebrated on the second Sunday in September to honor grandparents and their role in families. It involves spending time with grandparents, giving them gifts, and sharing stories. The holiday emphasizes the cultural value of intergenerational bonds and the wisdom passed down through generations in Estonian society.
Resistance Day, known as "Vastupanuvõitluse päev," commemorates the start of the armed resistance against Soviet forces in 1944. Celebrated on September 22nd, it includes ceremonies and events that honor the Estonian fighters for freedom. Resistance Day reinforces the cultural significance of resilience and the determination to protect Estonia's independence, fostering a sense of national pride.
Finno-Ugric Day, celebrated on October 19th, promotes the cultural ties between Estonians and other Finno-Ugric peoples. It includes cultural exhibitions, performances, and discussions about preserving indigenous languages and traditions. The holiday underscores the importance of cultural diversity and the shared heritage of Finno-Ugric peoples, fostering a sense of unity and cultural awareness in Estonia.
All Soul's Day, known as "Hingedepäev," is observed on November 2nd and is a time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries, light candles, and leave offerings on graves. It's a culturally significant day that emphasizes the importance of remembering and respecting the departed in Estonian culture.
Father's Day, or "Isadepäev," celebrated on the second Sunday in November, is a day to show appreciation for fathers and father figures. It involves giving gifts, spending time together, and expressing gratitude. Father's Day underscores the cultural value of family and paternal relationships in Estonian society.
The Day of Declaration of Sovereignty, celebrated on November 16th, marks the Estonian Supreme Soviet's declaration of national sovereignty in 1988. It was a significant step toward regaining independence from the Soviet Union. The holiday includes speeches, concerts, and cultural events that highlight the importance of self-determination and sovereignty in Estonian history and culture.
Christmas Eve, known as "Jõululaupäev," is celebrated on December 24th and is a time for families to come together for a festive meal and the exchange of gifts. It's a culturally cherished holiday that emphasizes the importance of family, kindness, and the spirit of giving.
Christmas Day, known as "Jõulupüha," is observed on December 25th, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It includes church services, traditional Christmas foods like "verivorst" (blood sausage), and gatherings with family and friends. Christmas Day is a culturally significant Christian holiday that fosters a sense of unity and goodwill among Estonians.
Boxing Day, or "Teine jõulupüha," is celebrated on December 26th and is a continuation of the Christmas festivities. It's a day for relaxation, leisure activities, and spending time with loved ones. Boxing Day reinforces the cultural value of togetherness and extends the joy of Christmas in Estonian households.
