Song Festival Grounds

Every few years, tens of thousands of singers gather on this stage to perform together, with an even larger audience in the grounds. The tradition began in the 19th century and was a powerful way of sustaining Estonian culture during periods of foreign rule. In the late 1980s, mass singing here became part of the movement that led to independence, often called the Singing Revolution.

Talking points

• The song festival tradition goes back to the 19th century.
• The Singing Revolution of the late 1980s helped lead to independence.