Estonian Independence Day

1. 24th of February
Estonian Day of Independence

2. In Estonia

3. In Estonia
The tri-color flag of Estonia is the most important symbol of this day. It
is proudly displayed on homes, public and private offices throughout
the country on the National Day.
A festive Independence Day reception is organized by the President of
the country. Regardless of the weather a huge military parade is
organized. It also honors fallen soldiers.
Schools are often given holidays from 23rd February and a number of
celebrations are organized. There are special gatherings of children in
formal dresses, the national flag is hoisted and the national anthem is
sung.

4. In Estonia
Several festivities are organized like concerts and contests. Large scale
sports marathon is held throughout the country.
The most important custom of Estonian National Day is the 'Penguin
Parade' or the Katlemistseremooniat. This is a huge reception
organized by the Estonian President and his wife. A number of people
are invited and the nation gathers in front of the television in the
evening to watch the celebrations.

5. But What About the Rest of the World?
How do other countries around the world celebrate their Day’s of
Independence?
Let’s have a look at the dates.

6. In Other Parts of the World

7. India

8. India
After more than 200 years of British colonial rule, India won
independence at midnight on 15 August 1947. To symbolise
its freedom, saffron, white and emerald-green kites evoking
the young country's tri-coloured flag are flown.

9. Indonesia

10. Indonesia
On Indonesia’s independence day, it’s all about the panjat
pinang. This game requires a tall nut tree, buckets of prizes, and
a lot of oil. The trees are positioned vertically, with prizes at the
top, and oiled up. Then, young men work together, using each
other’s bodies as step stools, to clamber to the top to grab one
of the goodies.
In the morning, the eyes of all Indonesians are on the National
Palace, where a solemn flag ceremony is held to honor the
republic. High school students from all over the country are
carefully selected by the government to do the honor of
hoisting the flag. Immediately after the ceremony,
neighborhoods gear up for street fests which usually include
fun games and music concerts.

11. Ukraine

12. Ukraine
Blue and yellow festoon buildings across the country, creating
a festive atmosphere. The streets are filled with people
dressed up in the traditional Ukrainian costume. Celebrations
commence with the Flag Day on August 23, in remembrance
of the first ceremonial raising of the national flag on the same
date in 1990. On the morning of August 25, the celebration in
the capital begins with a service at St. Sophia Cathedral in
Kiev, attended by the nation’s President.

13. France

14. France
Every year, the French celebrate their country’s independence
from oppressive royal tyranny on July 14 – the anniversary of
the storming of the Bastille. The day kicks off with a military
parade on Champs-Élysées. The tradition of holding a military
parade to commemorate Independence Day, a common
practice in many countries today, was born in France.

15. USA

16. USA
Americans commonly show their patriotism by recolouring their
world - from town hall to personal wardrobe - in red, white and
blue on Independence Day. The holiday marks the 4 July 1776
signing of the Declaration of Independence, though American
freedom was only won in 1783.
The United States Independence Day is a very important
celebration for all Americans. The event is a national holiday that
allows Americans all across the country to participate in the
parades, family picnics and barbeques. The evening usually ends
with a large fireworks display and the singing of popular patriotic
songs.

17. It’s time to celebrate with Estonia!