Independence Day schedule all set

A full list of events to mark the 83rd anniversary of the announcement of the independence of the Republic of Estonia, otherwise known as Independence Day, has been aranged for Feb. 24.

The official 7:30 a.m. flag hoisting ceremony at Toompea Castle will be the first event of the day, followed by a military parade at 10 a.m. on Vabaduse Square.

A church service inside Kaarli Cathedral (10 Toompea Street) will take place at 11:30 a.m.

There is a concert scheduled at the Estonia Theater for 6 p.m., followed by a reception hosted by President Lennart Meri and his wife Helle at the Estonia Concert Hall.

Estonian food will naturally be the focus of the menu there, although wines from South Africa, Chile and France will also be included.

This year the menu looks modest and includes smoked mutton on black bread, smoked Estonian sprats, herring and other fish, and Estonian cheese.

The festivities will also include a musical program in remembrance of Giuseppe Verdi's birthday.

The entire Independence Day celebrations, including the parade and the reception, will cost taxpayers about 600,000 kroons ($35,300).