For the Performer

› PROGRAMME
› 25–27 June in Stockholm
› 28–30 June in Narva – Narva Jõesuu
› 1–2 July in Tallinn
› ACCOMMODATION

Dear folk dancer, choir member and folk musician!

From 25 June to 3 July, the XIII Global Estonian Cultural Festival will take place in Stockholm, Narva and Tallinn. The aim of the festival is to once again bring together Estonian communities from all over the world, thereby strengthening the global Estonian spirit and sense of belonging with the Estonian land and people.

This time, ESTO is entitled “Together As One”, because the feeling of togetherness among Estonians from all over the world will help maintain little Estonia just as nature created it and the winds and wars have battered it.

The ESTO 2025 programme is being developed in close cooperation with volunteers from around the world and with local community organisations and institutions, including the Estonian Song and Dance Festival Foundation, and the cities of Narva and Tallinn.

Programme

5–27 June in Stockholm

Concert C. Kreek “Requiem”, Church of Catherine (Katarina kirik)

On the eve of ESTO on 25 June, a concert will take place at Katarina Kirik in Stockholm, featuring C. Kreek’s “Requiem”. The concert is a symbolic tribute to all the custodians of Estonianism and organisers of ESTOs who are no longer with us.

Performers include ETV Girls’ Choir, Estonia Boys’ Choir, Stockholm Estonian Mixed Choir and Stockholm Estonian Women’s Choir. Ene Salumäe will accompany on the organ. Hirvo Surva will conduct. Bishop Ove Sander, Bishop of the Diaspora, will lead the prayer.
The concert is free of charge for ESTO performers and ESTO pass holders.

Rehearsal is on 25 June at 17:00–19:00 in Katarina kirik.

Find out more!

The festive ESTO opening and concert ’Windows of Time’, Skansen

The festive ESTO opening will take place at Skansen’s Solliden Stage, an open-air museum in the centre of Stockholm, on 26 June at 16:00.

Let’s wear our national costumes!

Rehearsals for folk dancers and gymnasts will take place on 25 June on the Solliden stage in Skansen:
15:00–17:00 Leigarid
17:00–18:00 Gymnasts
18:00–20:00 All folk dancers

Choir rehearsals start on the morning of 26 June at 9:00.

8:30 Assembly
8:50 Line-up of choirs
9:00–10:30 Choirs (acapella songs)
10:20–11:00 Sound check
11:00–12:00 Choir rehearsal with musicians and children’s choirs
13:40–15:20 Runthrough
15:20–15:50 Break before the concert

Entry to Skansen is free for ESTO performers and ESTO pass holders. All others must buy a ticket in advance or from the cashier at the entrance to Skansen. Find out more!

Traditionally, the programme consists of folk dance, choral singing, gymnastics and folk music.

Artistic director of the performance – Hirvo Surva
Artistic assistant – Jaanika Kuusik
Director – Aet Maatee
Director (Dancers) – Mall Paulus
Director (Gymnasts) – Eveli Veermäe

Programme:

Koit / Dawn – music Mihkel Lüdig, lyrics Friedrich Kuhlbars
Conducted by Hirvo Surva

1st NARRATIVE
Celine Sööt, Matthias Merelaine

Swedish National Anthem: Du gamla, Du fria – Richard Dybeck
Conducted by Jaan Seim

Welcome. ESTO president Sirle Sööt
Welcome. Chairman of the Estonian Riigikogu Lauri Hussar

Estonian National Anthem: Mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm / My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy – music Fredrik Pacius, lyrics Johann Voldemar Jannsen
Conducted by Kaspar Kõrvits

Welcome. Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlén
Prayer. Diaspora Bishop Ove Sander

Hoia Jumal Eestit / God, Protect Estonia – music Juhan Aavik, lyrics Aleksander Leopold Raudkepp
Conducted by Jaan Seim
Laulu mõju / The Power of Song – music Roman Toi, folk poem
Conducted by Andrus Kalvet

2nd NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Silver Robin Marimäe

FOLK DANCERS
Üleilma kokku / Together from Around the World – Mall Paulus, music Pille-Rite Rei
Director Mall Paulus
Kolm polkat / Three polkas – arranged by Mall Paulus, music / arrangement Tradimus
Director Mall Paulus
Kangakudumine / Weaving Cloth – arranged by Kristjan Torop, ,music / arrangement Tiit Kikas
Director Mall Paulus

CHOIRS
Laulik / Song – music Mart Saar, folk poem
Conducted by Jaan Seim
Eesti, mu südame sünnimaa / Estonia, The Land of my Heart – music Olav Ehala, lyrics Leelo Tungal, arrangement Olav Ehala,
Conducted by Kaspar Kõrvits
Ajavoogude sees (Oma saar) / The Currents of Time (My Island) – music and words Kait Tamra, arrangement Andres Lemba,
Conducted by Jaanika Kuusik

3rd NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Artjom Pahhomov, Celine Sööt

GYMNASTS
Ajaloolised Idla etüüdid / Historical Idla Études – Ernst Idla
Director Eveli Veermäe
Veel üks päikseline päev / Another Sunny Day
Choreographers / Directors Rebecca Lundin Remnélius, Johanna Leback

4th NARRATIVE
Celine Sööt, Fred Laansalu

CHILDRENS’ CHOIRS
Buratino laul / Buratino’s Song – music Olav Ehala, lyrics Juhan Viiding, arrangement Ehala
Conducted by Jaanika Kuusik
Aeg / Time – music René Eespere, lyrics Jaan Kaplinski, René Eespere, arrangement René Eespere
Conducted by Jaanika Kuusik

5th NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Matthias Merelaine

LEIGARID
Reinlender – arranged by Sille-Kapper Tiisler, folk tune “Mall oli kena neiu” (Mall was a pretty girl), performed by Kaarel Kõivupuu
Director Mall Paulus
Ingliskad – arranged by Kristjan Torop, folk tune from Kuusalu, performed by Leigarid Instrument Group, conducted by Jaan Sommer
Director Mall Paulus
Räditants – arranged by Mall Paulus, folk tune from Kuusalu, performed by Kaarel Kõivupuu
Director Mall Paulus

CHOIRS
Leelo (Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad) / Runic Song (What Are the Reins that Constrain Us) – music Mart Saar, folk poem
Conducted by Hirvo Surva
Ärkamise aeg / The Awakening – music, lyrics and arrangement René Eespere
Conducted by Heather MacLaughlin Garbes
Ta lendab mesipuu poole / Towards the Homeland – music Peep Sarapik, lyrics Juhan Liiv, arrangment Tõnis Kõrvits,
Conducted by Jaanika Kuusik

6th NARRATIVE
Toomas Tuulse, Celine Sööt, Artjom Pahhomov

Closing remarks. ESTO president Sirle Sööt

Mu isamaa on minu arm / My Fatherland is My Love – music Gustav Ernesaks, lyrics Lydia Koidula,
Conducted by Hirvo Surva

FOLK DANCERS
Lööme loojanguni lokku / Let’s Party Until Sunset – Helena-Mariana Reimann, music Andre Maaker, lyrics Laura Võigemast
Director Mall Paulus

Prior to the concert, the violin ensemble Viiulised, the folk music ensemble of Rae Hobby School and the Seto song choir “Leelokandjad” will perform on Tuulikute (Windmill) Square near the handicraft market in Solliden. Estonian Folk Arts Group TRIINU will introduce handicrafts

At the windmills:
12:00 violin ensemble Viiulised and Rae Hobby School folk music ensemble
12:30 Seto song choir “Leelokandjad”
13:00 violin ensemble Viiulised and Rae Hobby School folk music ensemble
13:30–13:40 Seto song choir “Leelokandjad”
15:45–15:55 Seto song choir “Leelokandjad”

Spontaneous performances are encouraged at the Tingsvallen stage and lawn. There will also be a children’s programme there.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME, Tingsvallen
14:00–15:00 Family picnic
14:00–17:00 Book exchange
14:00–17:00 ESTO 2025 canvas painting session
14:30–15:00 Ring dances for children. Violin ensemble Viiulised and Rae Hobby School folk music ensemble

Skansen has been a place of great significance for Estonians. A hundred years ago, in 1925, at a large event of the Swedish Village Culture Youth Association (Ungdomsringen) in Skansen, representatives of the Estonian National Youth Association Ago Rooseste, Ullo Toom, Leo Kalmet, Anna Raudkats and others were inspired to follow the example of the Swedes and organise a dance festival in Estonia. In 1948, after Estonia had been occupied and separated from the Western world by the Iron Curtain, the first general Estonian song festival in Sweden took place here in Skansen, on the Solliden stage, with 600 singers from 21 choirs performing and over 25,000 people attending, 10,000 of them Estonians. The Baltic Days have been repeatedly held here to promote Estonia and Estonian culture.

Now, within the framework of ESTO, we have a great opportunity to show and tell how Estonians – scattered all over the world after World War II – have managed to preserve Estonian culture while living far away, and how they are now able to move freely and maintain close ties with independent Estonia. We have a great opportunity to inspire others and invite everyone to ESTO and to the Song and Dance Festival to see and feel the power of song and dance for themselves.

Catering

Catering for the performers will be provided by the Swedish Defence Forces and the Women’s National Guard (Lottakåren) at Solliden Bollnästorget. Catering will be provided according to a schedule. Meal times and tickets will be given to the contact persons of the registered collectives upon arrival at Solliden on 26 June.

For questions about catering, please contact Madli Wiiburg Walfridsson.
mw@treliljorblommor.se
+46 70 733 68 44

Transport

After thorough consideration, it has been decided that transfers will only be arranged on an as-needed basis and by agreement with pass holders. Performers will be able to travel by public transport in the city of Stockholm.

Public transport in Stockholm

www.sl.se
in English

Stockholm’s public transport system SL includes buses, trams, metro and liner services. The same fare applies regardless of the mode of transport. NB! The SL ticket is not valid on the Arlanda Express train!

You can choose a single ticket, a 24-hour ticket or a 72-hour ticket. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes after the first validation.

A discounted (concession) price applies to pensioners from 65 years of age and young people under 20 years of age.

Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult. Max 6 children per 1 adult. Children under 7 years travel free of charge with a paying adult, with no limit on the number of children per adult.

Tickets can be purchased via the SL app, with a credit card at the means of transport or from a ticket machine or service point at a Metro stop. If you don’t use the mobile app to buy a ticket, you must purchase an SL card and load the purchased ticket(s) onto the card. The card is reusable and costs SEK 50

Groups

One group ticket can be purchased for a maximum of 25 adults and 25 children. The most convenient way is to use the SL mobile app, where you can pay with Apple Pay or credit card.

SL app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sl.SLBiljetter
https://apps.apple.com/se/app/sl-biljetter/id918418291

Prices:
Single ticket – Group: adult 43,00 SEK person / 26,00 SEK concession price
24-hour ticket – Group: adult SEK 180.00 per person / SEK 110.00 concession price
72-hour ticket – Group: SEK 360.00 per person / SEK 220.00 concession price

The SL app helps you plan your trip:
Getting around
From the city centre to Skansen – tram no. 7 (mot Waldemarsudde), buses 67, 69, 76, ferry no. 82 (for example from T-Centralen station at 8:16 to Skansen station at 8:20 (13 minutes))
From Värtahamnen to Estonian House (Eesti Maja), Hotel Generator – Metro red line No 13 (mot Norsborg), from Gärdet station to T-Centralen station (6 min)
From Värtahamnen to Tallinn ferry– Metro red line no 13 (mot Ropsten), from T-Centralen station to Gärdet station (6 min)

In addition to public transport, taxis can be used. Popular apps: Uber and Bolt

Transfers are free for ESTO pass holders, but pre-registration is required. Pass holders will be transported by bus from Skansen to the Estonian House after the opening concert on 26.06.2025 at 18:30. Register HERE>>

ESTO eve and secret pub nights at Stockholm Eesti Maja

On both the 25th and 26th of June, the traditional ESTO pub nights will be held at the Stockholm Eesti Maja. The pub nights are a great place to catch up with people you know and to make new friends. There will be singing and dancing. There is one important rule in a secret pub – you can’t run out of cold beer.

For ESTO performers and ESTO pass holders, admission to the secret pub nights is free. Others must purchase a ticket in advance.

Find out more about ESTO eve HERE >>

Find out more about ESTO secret pub nights HERE >>

Is the ESTO secret pub night also suitable for children? Yes, with an accompanying adult!

Catering for collectives at Stockholm Eesti Maja

Estonians in Stockholm are prepared to organise catering at Estonian House for performers on 25-27 June. Catering will be arranged on a needs basis and by agreement with the groups. Arrangements have been made with the Estonia Boys’ Choir, the ETV Girls’ Choir, Leigarid and the Narva Choir as well as the Violin ensemble Viiulised and Rae Hobby School folk music ensemble.

Stockholm ESTO programme

There will be various exhibitions and seminars at Stockholm Eesti Maja. Tours of Estonian cultural trails are organised. Check out the information in the ESTO programme.

27 June across the Baltic Sea to Estonia

We will sail across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to Estonia on Tallink’s cruise ship M/S Baltic Queen. There will be a special ESTO programme on the ship that evening.

The Estonia Boys’ Choir, the ETV Girls’ Choir and Leigarid will have dinner on board from 16:30-18:00 in the Grill House restaurant.

Transfers for pass holders at 15:.00 and 15:30 from the front of Estonian House to Värtahamnen harbour. Transfers are free for ESTO passport holders, but pre-registration is required. Register HERE >>

28–30 June Narva – Narva Jõesuu

28 June

Transfers from Tallink’s D terminal to Narva are being organised. Transfers are based on need and by prior agreement with groups. Transfers are free for ESTO pass holders, but pre-registration is required.

10:45 Arrival in Tallinn, Tallink D Terminal
11:30 Buses depart from Tallinn towards Narva

The performers’ headquarters is located in Narva Central Library. There, you can store your luggage, fix up your folk costumes, rest, and drink tea and coffee. It is an 8-minute walk from there to Narva Castle.

13:00–15:15 Catering for performers in the north courtyard of Narva Castle
15:15 Singers line up at the stands in the west courtyard of Narva Castle
15:30–18:00 ESTO Song’s first rehearsal
18:30 Gathering at Narva Town Hall for the parade. Bring your choir signs! Wear your folk costumes.
19:00 The parade starts at Narva Town Hall and finishes at the west gate of the Narva Museum, where the Narva City Days will be opened and ESTO will be welcomed.
19:30–21:00 Catering for performers in the north courtyard of Narva Castle. Those who wish to see the theatre performance ’Narva – the city we lost’, which begins at 20:30 at Vabalava, will need to hurry.

	Dinner
19:30	Eesti koor San Franciscos ja Seattles, USA,	17
	Eesti Koor Austraalias Kooskõlas	12
	Eesti Vabaõhumuuseumi Segakoor,	30
	Estonia Koor, Kanada, Toronto,	3
	Göteborgi Eesti Segakoor	11
	Seto leelokoor Leelokandjad	11
	Eesti Üliõpilaste Seltsi meeskoor	15
	Muuga Segakoor	15
	Rakvere Kolmainu Kiriku laulukoor	16
	Noordelegaadid	45
	Total	175

20:00
	Kammerkoor Solare	47
	Kirderanniku Koor	41
	Tallinna Sadama segakoor “Laulude lemmik”	20
	SweedEst Song	8
	Total	116

20:30	Narva Muusikakooli Noortesegakoor VAIMUSTUS	23
	Narva Muusikakooli poistekoor,	14
	Segakoor Ceres,	17
	Segakoor Karp,	8
	Tartu Rahvaülikooli Segakoor,	30
	Vanalinna Segakoor,	20
	Dirigendid	12
	Muusikud	7
	Peterburi Folkloorirühm «Neevo»	8
	Total	139

21:00	Orkester	41
	Rahvusooper Estonia poistekoor	51
	Stockholmi Eesti Segakoor	24
	Stockholmi Eesti Naiskoor	10
	ETV tütarlastekoor,	36
	Noordelegaadid	45
	Total	207

Concerts will be held in the west courtyard until 23:00.
22:00 the ESTO secret pub will open at Vabalava.

ESTO bus transfers between Narva and Narva-Jõesuu from 21:00 to 01:00.

28.06.2025 15:30	Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu – NART Joala 18
28.06.2025 15.45–16.30 – 17:30–18:30	Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu – Sinimäed – Narva
28.06.2025 18.00	Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu – Peetri plats 1 Narva
28.06.2025 21:00	Peetri plats 1 Narva – Liivaranna hotell, Narva-Jõesuu
28.06.2025 21:00	Peetri plats 1 Narva – Liivaranna hotell, Narva-Jõesuu
28.06.2025 22:30	VabaLava Linda 2 Narva – Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu
28.06.2025 23:00	VabaLava Linda 2 Narva – Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu
28.06.2025 23:30	VabaLava Linda 2 Narva – Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu
29.06.2025 00:00	VabaLava Linda 2 Narva – Medical SPA – Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu
29.06.2025 00:30	VabaLava Linda 2 Narva – Meresuu SPA Narva-Jõesuu

29 June

Concert-church service C. Kreek’s “Requiem” at Alexander’s Cathedral

On Sunday morning 29 June at 11:00, there will be a concert-church service at Alexander’s Cathedral, where C. Kreek’s ’Requiem’ will be performed again. Performers include singers from the ETV Girls’ Choir, the Estonia Boys’ Choir, Stockholm Estonian Women’s Choir and the Stockholm Estonian Mixed Choir. The choir will be accompanied by the EMTA Sinfonietta. Hirvo Surva will conduct.

The performers’ first rehearsal will take place on 28 June from 19:00–21:00 at Alexander’s Cathedral. The second rehearsal on the morning of 29 June will be from 9:30–10:30 at Alexander’s Cathedral.

ESTO Song, west courtyard of Narva Castle

We kindly ask singers to come to the rehearsal in their festival costumes, as there is no time to change after the rehearsal.

11:30–13:30 Catering for performers in the north courtyard of Narva Castle
13:15 Children’s choirs assemble by the stands at the west courtyard of Narva Castle
13.40 Mixed choirs assemble by the stands at the west courtyard of Narva Castle
14:00–15:15 ESTO Song’s 2nd rehearsal

14:00	Koit Mihkel Lüdig / Friedrich Kuhlbars	Hirvo Surva	choirs
14:05	Eesti hümn Mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm Johann Voldemar Jannsen / Fredrik Pacius	Aarne Saluveer	choirs
14:10	Hoia Jumal Eestit – Juhan Aavik	Jaan Seim	choirs
14:15	Laulu mõju – Roman Toi / rahvaluule	Lauri Aav	choirs
14:20	Laulik – Mart Saar / rahvaluule	Jaan Seim	choirs
14:25	Eesti, mu südame sünnimaa – Olav Ehala / Leelo Tungal	Kaspar Kõrvits	choirs
14:30	Oma saar– Kait Tamra / seadnud Andres Lemba	Aarne Saluveer	choirs
14:35	Elukoor- Mari Kalkun, seadnud Rasmus Puur	Elo Üleoja	choirs
14:40	Buratino laul – Olav Ehala / Juhan Viiding	Jaanika Kuusik	children’s choirs
14:45	Aeg – Rene Eespere / Jaan Kaplinski, Rene Eespere	Jaanika Kuusik	children’s choirs
14:50	Virumaa laul- Tiina Kippel/ seadnud Hirvo Surva	Svetlana Gorjušina	choirs
14:55	Ärkamise aeg – Rene Eespere	Heather MacLaughlin Garbes	choirs
15:00	Laul Põhjamaast- Ülo Vinter/ Enn Vetemaa	Kirill Gorjušin	choirs
15:05	Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad – Mart Saar / rahvalaul Otepää kihelkonnast	Hirvo Surva	choirs
15:10	Ta lendab mesipuu poole – Peep Sarapik / Juhan Liiv	Elo Üleoja	choirs
15:15	Mu isamaa on minu arm – Gustav Ernesaks / Lydia Koidula	Hirvo Surva	choirs

15:30 The Song Festival Torch arrives from Narva-Jõesuu into Narva Port by boat and moves through the city toward the west courtyard of Narva Castle.
16:00 The Song Festival Torch is received in the west courtyard of Narva Castle and used to light the ESTO Song flame.
16:30–18:00 ESTO SONG Concert

Programme

Koit / Dawn – music Mihkel Lüdig, lyrics Friedrich Kuhlbars
Conducted by Hirvo Surva

1st NARRATIVE
Celine Sööt, Matthias Merelaine

Welcome. ESTO president Sirle Sööt
Welcome. Narva Mayor Katri Raik

Estonian National Anthem: Mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm / My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy – music Fredrik Pacius, lyrics Johann Voldemar Jannsen
Conducted by Aarne Saluveer

Welcome. Minister for Education and Research Kristina Kallas
Prayer. Diaspora Bishop Ove Sander

2nd NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Fred Laansalu

Laulik / Song – music Mart Saar, folk poem
Conducted by Jaan Seim
Eesti, mu südame sünnimaa / Estonia, The Land of my Heart – music Olav Ehala, lyrics Leelo Tungal, arrangement Olav Ehala,
Conducted by Kaspar Kõrvits
Ajavoogude sees (Oma saar) / The Currents of Time (My Island) – music and words Kait Tamra, arrangement Andres Lemba,
Conducted by Aarne Saluveer
Elukoor / The Choir of Life – music and words Mari Kalkun, arrangement Rasmus Puur
Conducted by Lauri Breede

3rd NARRATIVE
Celine Sööt, Artjom Pahhomov

4th NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Fred Laansalu

Virumaa laul / Viru County Song – music and words Tiina Kippel, arrangement Hirvo Surva
Conducted by Svetlana Gorjušina
Ärkamise aeg / The Awakening – music, lyrics and arrangement René Eespere
Conducted by Heather MacLaughlin Garbes
Laul Põhjamaast / Our Nordic Country – music Ülo Vinter, lyrics Enn Vetemaa
Conducted by Kirill Gorjušin

5th NARRATIVE
Celine Sööt, Matthias Merelaine

Leelo (Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad) / Runic Song (What Are the Reins that Constrain Us) – music Mart Saar, folk poem
Conducted by Hirvo Surva
Ta lendab mesipuu poole / Towards the Homeland – music Peep Sarapik, lyrics Juhan Liiv, arrangment Tõnis Kõrvits,
Conducted by Elo Üleoja

6th NARRATIVE
Angelica Suiste, Artjom Pahhomov

Closing remarks ESTO president Sirle Sööt

Mu isamaa on minu arm / My Fatherland is My Love – music Gustav Ernesaks, lyrics Lydia Koidula,
Conducted by Hirvo Surva

18:00–22:00 ESTO SONG will seamlessly transition into the ESTO folk festival.
We will dance traditonal folk dances and be entertained by Naised Köögis and Zetod
18:00 Catering for the performers in the north courtyard of Narva Castle.

Transport Narva – Narva-Jõesuu

ESTO bus transfers are being organised between Narva and Narva-Jõesuu. Transfers are based on demand and by prior agreement with groups. Transfers are free for ESTO pass holders, but pre-registration is required.

On 29 June, ESTO is organising a special boat trip from Narva to Narva-Jõesuu. The boat will depart from Narva Port at 23:00. Registration and ticket information HERE >>

ESTO is going to Narva to inspire Russian-speaking people in Ida-Viru County to strive for multilingualism. As you know, learning and speaking Estonian is a big challenge there. It is also a big challenge for every Estonian family living abroad. The theme of the Youth congress at the Narva College of the University of Tartu is ’Multilingualism opens doors’. We will delve into multiple identities, multilingualism and we will also talk about doors that multilingualism helps to open: not only the doors of the workplace but the invisible doors into people’s hearts and different cultures. All interested parties are welcome. Registration is required. See the Youth Congress programme HERE >>

In 2025, Narva will also be the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture. This provides an opportunity to highlight not only multilingualism but also multiculturalism in the ESTO programme. In addition to our ties with Estonia, our ancestors may have roots in very different cultures, be it in the historic Ingria or Setumaa or in other countries. Songs, dances, folk costumes, handicrafts and food are a great way to show our culture and tell our story.

Thus, the ESTO Song Celebration, with the ESTO united choir and the core songs that were taken with Estonians when they fled in 1944, encourages time and again the singing of these old songs, which unites the Estonians as one people. Some of these songs were forgotten during the Soviet occupation in Estonia because they were not allowed to be sung. However, they continued to be sung in exile. The ESTO Song Celebration will also bring to Narva the flame of the Song and Dance Celebration, which moves from one corner of Estonia to the other before reaching Tallinn.

We are pleased that several events of the Narva City days in 2025 coincide with the ESTO 2025 programme. In addition to the cultural programme, traditional Narva City Runs will take place for various distances and for different age groups

ESTO will also go to Narva-Jõesuu. There you will find the best hotels on the North Coast, an enchanting sandy beach and the sea.

30 June

In cooperation with the city of Narva-Jõesuu, the city of Sillamäe, the port of Sillamäe, the Ida-Viru Investment Agency, the Ida-Viru Entrepreneurship Centre and other local partners, a summer networking event for entrepreneurial people, entitled ‘Opportunities in Ida-Viru County: security, development, work, business and tourism’, is being organised. Starting in Narva-Jõesuu, the event will move on to Narva, Sillamäe and finally to Tallinn. See the programme HERE >>

The program includes several exciting excursion packages that will take you to Tallinn in the evening. These are free for ESTO pass holders; ile others can purchase tickets from the Piletitasku ticket office.

1–2 July in Tallinn

The time before the Song and Dance Festival is the perfect time to meet other promoters of Estonian life in other countries. We think it is important to bring together leaders of Estonian Houses, open-air areas, children’s camps, Estonian schools and teaching centres, and churches, as well as young researchers and members of academic organisations. Networking meetings will gauge how our Estonian communities are doing abroad. What can we be proud of and what worries us? The most important thing is that the leaders in different fields of our communities get together and get to know each other. Information and registration is available HERE >>

At the same time, the ESTO volleyball tournament will take place in the morning at the Sõle Sports Centre and in the afternoon at Teras Beach. Young Estonians from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Germany will be competing.

1 July is Canada Day. This means that the secret pub night is being organised by Estonians in Canada! At the last ESTO, this was an exceptionally popular gathering.

July 2: International Congress of the Estonian World Council and ESTO gala evening at Lennusadam

The gala evening is a big ESTO event where you can enjoy delicious Estonian cuisine, good company, and dancing until midnight.

Find out more about the International Congress ’Global Estonian Identity and our collective memory’ HERE >>
At the ESTO gala evening, you can dance to the music of Mart Sander’s Bel Etage orchestra. Find out more HERE >>

On 3 July, a memorial ceremony will be held at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe, excursions will take place, and in the evening, the Swedish-Estonian vocal ensemble SweedEst Song will give a concert entitled ’Behind the sauna’ (Sauna taga) at Fotografiska.

On 4 July, there will be an American evening, ’ Secret Song and Dance Party’ (SalaLauluTantsuPidu) at Fotografiska, and there will be other smaller events where people can get together.

3-6 July in Tallinn XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration ’Iseoma’

On 3-4 July, we will enjoy the Dance Celebration. The Song Celebration parade and the first Song Festival concert is on 5 July and the Song Celebration Grand Concert is on 6 July.
We look forward to seeing you all at ESTO! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on info@estofestival.com

We look forward to seeing you all at ESTO! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on info@estofestival.com

Accommodation

What will it cost to stay in Stockholm? 

The following hostels and hotels are within a 2-5 minute walk from the Estonian House in Stockholm (Wallingatan 34):

Hostel Generator, Torsgatan 10

Two- four- and six-bed rooms are available. Breakfast can be added when making the reservation.

If you make a group booking, you must pay 10-20% of the price at the time of the booking, depending on the size of the group. This money is non-refundable.

Individual travellers can book their own room with the ESTO discount code HERE >>

City Backpackers Hostel **, Upplandsgatan 2

Two-, four-, six-, seven- and eight-bed rooms are available.

3 nights for two from 3496 SEK

Hotell Scandic Go ***, Upplandsgatan 4

Rooms for two and four people. “Cabin” rooms are without windows. Breakfast can be added at any time. Digital check-in- and check-out.

Prices from:

1327 SEK/night (instant online payment, no refund)
1570 SEK/night (free cancellation until the day of arrival. Payment on the spot).
3498 SEK 3 nights/for two people

Hotell Scandic Wallin ****, Wallingatan 15

Rooms for one, two, three and four people, family rooms. Breakfast included.

Prices from:

2425 SEK/night/for two people
2646 SEK/night/for four people

10 % off the regular price with ESTO discount code. Discount code valid from 24 – 27 June 2025. Free cancellation until the day of arrival. Payment on the spot.

Elite Hotell Adlon ****, Vasagatan 42

Rooms for two people, family rooms. Breakfast included.

Prices from:

2421 SEK/room/night with the discount code. Discount code valid from 24 – 27 June 2025.

Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival.

To book a hotel room with the discount code, contact the ESTO committee at info@estofestival.com

How much does the trip from Stockholm to Tallinn with Tallink? 

Tallink has made this offer to ESTO performers and guests:

Discounts:
TAL-STO/STO-TAL -15%
TAL-HEL -15%
HEL-TAL -15%
HEL-STO one way -20%

1 person Stockholm-Tallinn B-cabin: 
B-cabin 109 EUR 
fuel and CO2 surcharge 13 EUR 
dinner and breakfast 61 EUR
Total: 183 EUR
Without meals the total would be: 122 EUR  

3 people Stockholm-Tallinn B-cabin: 
B-cabin 109 EUR
fuel and CO2 surcharge (13 EUR x 3 people) 39 EUR
dinner and breakfast 183 EUR 
Total: 331 EUR 
Without meals the total would be: 148 EUR

Contact the ESTO Committee for Tallink travel booking instructions and discount code at info@estofestival.com

What does accommodation in Narva-Jõesuu cost? 

For ESTO participants we have booked all available rooms in Hotel Meresuu, Aia 48A. Prices include breakfast and use of the water centre/SPA. The following rooms are still available: 

1x Double room with a double bed = 129,00 EUR / night
1x Family room = 169,00 EUR / night
1x Junior suite = 189.00 EUR / night
1 Extra bed = 30.00 EUR / night

To book accommodation at Meresuu Hotel, please contact the ESTO committee at info@estofestival.com

Cheaper accommodation (from 40-70 EUR / night) is available in Narva, for example at the following hotels

Inger
Central
Külalistemaja ”Europe” (Europe Guesthouse)

ESTO has not contacted these hotels, so please enquire directly with them about prices. Contact details can be found at this website: visitnarva.ee. You can also check other accommodation options, for example via Booking.com.

In Narva, accommodation can be arranged in a school building. Let us know of your request at info@estofestival.com

What does accommodation in Tallinn cost?

ESTO discount code is valid from 30.06-03.07.

Radisson Blu Hotell Olümpia, Liivalaia 33:

Standard Room with breakfast 95 EUR for one person / 105 EUR for two people
Superior Room with breakfast 105 EUR for one person / 115 EUR for two people