A Story of Defiance: A Brief History of the Singing Revolution
Estonia’s independence movement, also known as the Singing Revolution, took place between 1987 and 1991 and was a defining time for Estonia’s future. After over 60 years spent under the Soviet regime, people finally stood up and started peacefully fighting for their freedom and rights. Patriotic Estonians risked their lives to show the world that Estonia never belonged to the Soviet Union, and they succeeded – on August 20, 1991, Estonia restored independence.
Importance of songs
The censorship was extremely strict in the Soviet Union, and any signs of independent and patriotic thinking were punished. However, starting in 1987, the Soviet Union, with all its weapons and power, could not control Estonians’ desire for freedom anymore. Estonians started gathering in public places, singing national songs and hymns. These spontaneous gatherings eventually grew bigger, until 300,000 Estonians joined their spirits in Tallinn and openly expressed their intention to become a free nation through national songs.
On May 14, 1988, during the Tartu Pop Music Festival, the singing of patriotic songs became a tradition. Five patriotic songs were sung in Tartu that day, and people linked their hands together in the hope of a free tomorrow.
The Baltic Way
On August 23, 1989, two million people from Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia joined their hands and formed a 675.5-kilometer-long (419.7 mi) chain of humans across all Baltic States to protest against the Soviet regime. This peaceful event also symbolized the unity of all Baltic States, which shared the same desire – to regain their legal independence. The Baltic Way was a clear sign that the Soviet Union had no more power to suppress Baltic states, and it was only a matter of time when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became independent again. Today, August 23 is an official remembrance day in Baltic countries.
The declaration of independence
On August 20, 1991, Estonia officially restored independence after different political parties reached an agreement. However, the Soviet Union did not want to let Estonia go that easily. The morning after the pact was signed, Soviet troops tried to seize Tallinn TV Tower and some radio stations. However, unarmed Estonian civilians went into the streets and protected those essential buildings with their bodies. Soviet troops had to forfeit their idea of taking back Estonia by force. On August 22, 1991, Iceland became the first country to officially recognize Estonia’s independence.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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