Day 13 – Berries, Rahvariide ja Tantsupidu!

Read full story and pictures here.

Today started slowly but with excitement for what was ahead. Dad and I headed into the city for a bit of secret business before making our way to Balti Jaama Turg. On the way, we bumped into a few familiar faces, including my auntie and a number of other Aussie Estonians. It’s amazing how many of us are here now!

Wearing my Estonian badge hat made me easy to spot, and I got a big hug from Nora, who’s been doing incredible work for ESTO2025. She was off to the Maarjamäe Memorial with the youth delegates, such a passionate and dedicated young woman.

At the markets, we found Mum and dove into stalls full of vibrant berries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and golden chanterelles, now just €12/kg compared to €60 last time I was here. It brought back childhood memories of Estonia: berries everywhere! We explored the antique stores and Mum found a sweet kids’ folk shirt at a good price. Then it was off for Kalev chocolate (25% off with a Laulutantsupidu wristband!) and delicious mushroom bao buns.

Later in the day, we headed to the Tantsupidu opening ceremony at Kalev Stadium. Tickets had sold out fast, and we were lucky to be there. The stadium was full with colourful rahvariided (folk costumes), each woven with story and history. I met a woman in a stunning Kadrina costume, who proudly introduced her mother and grandmother, three generations connected by the love of folk costumes!

Before heading in, I met Maria, a lovely woman I’d been talking to on Instagram. She surprised us with beautiful Estonian jewellery, a generous and heartfelt gesture. Her business has some incredible jewellery, I had to get some. Check out her store here.

Inside the stadium, I spotted the Foreign Minister and managed to get a photo with him,  another pinch-me moment. We found ourselves seated among fellow Australians, sharing stories and excitement as we watched the opening ceremony begin. It was moving to see teachers welcomed with song, a moment that made me feel proud to be an Estonian.

Then came the dancing. Over 11,000 dancers moved with grace and precision. It’s hard to describe how powerful it was to witness, every formation, every movement was a celebration of culture and dedication. I loved seeing dances I once performed myself like Mulgi Polka and Kikapuu, reimagined for this grand stage (or field).

The final performance, the iconic Tuljak, never fails to impress, the lift at the end, arms raised, always takes your breath away. Seeing the Australian group Virmalised perform was a proud and emotional moment. We spotted them easily with pink hair and familiar folk dress. They finished with a playful kangaroo hop, bringing such joy to the moment, right at the end.

After the show, they found us in the crowd to take photos and celebrate. Their joy was infectious, and I felt so honoured to be part of it all. As the night ended and the wind tunnel tried to sweep us away, Denis (my driver/Eesti brother) came to the rescue, and we made it home full of gratitude and wonder.