20 August – The Day Estonia’s Voice Was Heard

There are dates in history that live in the hearts of a nation forever, and for Estonia, 20 August 1991 is one of them. It’s the day Estonia’s independence was restored after decades of Soviet occupation. A day that came not through violence or war, but through song, unity, and courage.

To understand 20 August, you have to go back to the Singing Revolution – a period between 1987 and 1991 when hundreds of thousands of Estonians gathered together to sing national songs and folk music that had been banned for decades. Singing became a form of protest, a way to show the world that our culture, language, and spirit were still alive. Imagine standing in a sea of people at the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn, voices joined together, knowing that this unity could change history. Especially in folk costumes that were either banned or heavily regulated.

By August 1991, the Soviet Union was crumbling. Tensions were high across the Baltic states. In Estonia, the moment finally came. On the evening of 20 August 1991, while Soviet tanks were stationed outside the city, members of the Supreme Council of Estonia met in Toompea Castle, Tallinn. Inside, they voted to restore the independent Republic of Estonia. The vote passed – almost unanimously – and within hours, news spread across the country. People cried, hugged, sang, and celebrated in the streets.

It’s important to remember that this wasn’t just a political act. It was the realisation of decades of quiet resistance. Families had passed down the Estonian language in their homes when speaking it in public was risky. Folk costumes were sewn in secret. Songs were remembered and sung behind closed doors. The 20th of August was the day those quiet acts of defiance finally became a national victory.

The Singing Revolution didn’t just bring independence, it showed the world that peaceful protest could lead to real change. Estonians proved that voices and culture can be as powerful as weapons. It’s something we should never take for granted.

Today, Re-Independence Day is celebrated across Estonia and by Estonians all over the world. It’s a day for concerts, gatherings, and remembering the bravery of those who stood together in 1991. It’s also a reminder to cherish and protect the freedom we now have, because it wasn’t so long ago that it was taken from us, let's hope it doesn't happen again.

If you’d like to dive deeper into this part of Estonian history, here are some great places to explore:

• Singing Revolution – Official Site – Stories, videos, and history of this peaceful movement.

• Estonian History Museum – Exhibitions and archives about Estonia’s journey to independence.
  

On 20 August, we don’t just look back. We also look forward, knowing that the same unity, resilience, and love for Estonia that carried us through the Singing Revolution will carry us into the future.

💙🖤🤍 Elagu Eesti!