Estonian flags to fly on Finno-Ugric Day

TALLINN – On Saturday, October 17, Estonia will celebrate Finno-Ugric Day, an occasion to honor the common origins, linguistic and cultural kinship, and cooperation of the Finno-Ugric peoples.

Finno-Ugric Day is a national flag day, requiring all state and local government agencies and public legal entities to fly the Estonian flag.

Finno-Ugric Day is celebrated in Estonia on the third Saturday of October. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of Estonians' connection to the Finno-Ugric family of peoples, to introduce the languages and cultures of these kindred nations, and to highlight the importance of their preservation and legacy.

Estonians' closest linguistic relatives are the Finns and Livonians, while more distant kindred peoples include the Hungarians, Sami, Karelians, Vepsians, Maris, Udmurts, Komis, Erzyas, and Mokshas, among others. The languages and cultures of many smaller Finno-Ugric peoples require special attention and preservation today.

Flying the Estonian flag expresses respect for our linguistic and cultural roots and solidarity with our kindred peoples. In addition to state and local government institutions, all households, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to fly the Estonian flag on Finno-Ugric Day.

Flags are to be hoisted at sunrise, or by 8 a.m. at the latest, and lowered at sunset.