National holiday

National holiday

Anniversary of the Republic, Independence Day – 24 February

On Independence Day, we celebrate our state and people. On 24 February 1918, the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia was published, declaring an independent and democratic Republic of Estonia.

Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with the hoisting of flags across Estonia, the laying of wreaths on the statues of the War of Independence, the lighting of candles on the graves of state and public figures, and the organisation of ceremonies, services, and speeches. The Defence Forces organise a traditional parade, and the evening ends with a concert ceremony and a reception by the President of the Republic.

In addition to participating in public celebrations, people get together with their families and friends to spend time in nature and enjoy the holiday. Estonian Public Broadcasting offers a special programme dedicated to the holiday.

Decision of the Estonian Provincial Assembly on 28 November 1917

On 28 November 1917, the Estonian Provincial Assembly declared itself the highest power until the convening of the democratically elected Estonian Constituent Assembly. However, after the decision was made, the Bolsheviks dispersed the Estonian Provincial Assembly. However, the Council of Elders and the Provincial Government continued their underground activities.

Estonian Salvation Committee

Based on the events of 1918 in Russia and on the fronts of the First World War, the Council of Elders of the Estonian Provincial Assembly decided to declare the independence of Estonia. To this end, on 19 February 1918, the Estonian Salvation Committee was formed with representatives of the larger parties with special mandates. The Estonian Salvation Committee was given all state power in Estonia. The members of the Estonian Salvation Committee were Konstantin Päts, Jüri Vilms, and Konstantin Konik, and they all had equal status.

Estonian Declaration of Independence

A declaration of independence was compiled, in which Estonia was first called an independent democratic republic. Due to the approaching military activity, it was read out in public on the evening of 23 February from the balcony of the Endla Theatre in Pärnu. On 24 February, the declaration was published all over Estonia. The Republic of Estonia was thus officially proclaimed.

The government took office

On 24 February, the Estonian Salvation Committee appointed a 13-member Estonian Provisional Government headed by Konstantin Päts. The next day, Tallinn was occupied. At the end of World War I, on 11 November 1918, the Estonian Provisional Government began working in Tallinn, and Jaan Poska, Ferdinand Peterson, Jaan Raamot, and Juhan Kukk gathered for the first session. On 12 November, a joint meeting of the Estonian Provisional Government and the Council of Elders of the Estonian Provincial Assembly was held, at which the composition of the government was specified and ministerial portfolios were distributed.

War of Independence

On 28 November 1918, the Red Army launched an invasion of the border town of Narva, marking the beginning of an armed conflict between Soviet Russia and the Republic of Estonia. In addition to the fight for Estonian independence against Soviet Russia, the War of Independence involved two short-term and more limited armed conflicts on Latvian soil – the fight with the Landeswehr and the forces of General Bermondt of the White Army. The War of Independence ended with a complete victory for Estonia on 2 February 1920.

Recognition as an independent state

The signing of the Treaty of Tartu between Estonia and Soviet Russia at the beginning of 1920 paved the way for Estonia to gain widespread international recognition as an independent state. In the summer of 1920, Estonia was recognised de jure as an independent state by Finland, and half a year later by all former allies – the Entente Powers. Many other countries followed in 1921–1922, including the United States in July 1922. Estonia became a member of the League of Nations on 22 September 1921.