The XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma” (“Kinship”) will take place from July 3rd to 6th, 2025. This traditional national event encompasses the entire country of Estonia and features over 40,000 choir singers, orchestral musicians, folk dancers, and folk musicians. This tradition, which spans over 150 years, is inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
The festival holds deep cultural significance for Estonians, who regard it not merely as a major summer event but as a way of life. Preparations take years and require meticulous attention, with the festival serving as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s language, culture, and traditions.
Key facts about this year’s celebration:
- More than 550 regional rehearsals were conducted across Estonia prior to the event.
- For the first time, all three chief conductors are women.
- Under the song arch, 31,027 singers will perform alongside 990 orchestral musicians.
- The Dance Festival will showcase a record 10,972 dancers.
- The Folk Music Festival includes 778 musicians.
Schedule:
July 3
7:00 PM – Dance Festival, 1st Performance
July 4
11:00 AM – Dance Festival, 2nd Performance
2:00 PM – Folk Music Festival
6:00 PM – Dance Festival, 3rd Performance
July 5
1:00 PM – Festival Procession
7:30 PM – Song Festival Opening Concert
July 6
2:00 PM – Song Festival Grand Concert
Most performances will be broadcast live on ERR’s portal and Jupiter: kultuur.err.ee/k/laulupidu
Photo by Sven Zacek, from the 2023 Children’s and Youth Song Festival
