Presidents of all 3 Baltic states attend Estonian Song Celebration opening concert in Tallinn

TALLINN - The opening concert of the Song Celebration on Saturday was attended by Estonian President Alar Karis along with his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics and Lithuanian colleague Gitanas Nauseda.

The three heads of state also watched the final performance of the Dance Celebration together. The Song Celebration's opening concert began at 7:30 p.m. with the lighting of the festival flame at the Song Festival Grounds to the music of Mihkel Ludig's "Dawn."

Numerous Estonian politicians and cultural figures were present, as well as organizers of Latvia's and Lithuania's song and dance celebrations. Since 2003, the Song and Dance Celebration tradition of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania has been included in UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Since gaining this recognition, cooperation between the three countries has intensified, leading to new ideas, programs, and initiatives that have inspired others internationally. Representatives from the Baltic states regularly visit each other's festivals to exchange experiences and provide feedback, even though the events differ somewhat from country to country.

Lithuania last hosted its Song and Dance Celebration in 2024. This year, a Youth Song and Dance Festival is underway in Riga, which began on Saturday and will run through July 13.