Tallinn Song Festival Grounds

The venue for holding song festivals in Kadriorg is dear to every Estonian’s heart. The current choir stand has a highly original construction. It accommodates up to 300 000 singers. The area ascending to the Lasnamäe slope is designated for 250 000 people.

Song festivals mean much more to Estonians than any other musical event.

They boost self-confidence and have helped to fight for the country, language and indepencendence. The first song festival took place in 1869 in Tartu. The suvsequent festivals were increasingly grander. The festivities begin with a colourful procession of the performers dressed in national costumes, to the Song Festival grounds. The festival lasts for two days. The final song is traditionall “Mu isamaa” (My Native Land”, when the audience stands up and joins in.

Tallinn song festival ground 2009 ground map.

In 2003, Estonian song festivals were included in UNESCO World Heritage list.