Happy Restoration of Independence Day, Estonia! Today, we are reminded more than ever of the price of freedom and independence. Ukraine’s example shows us that price every single day. Estonians understand this especially well and know that freedom should never be taken for Show more Load image 16 KB
35 years ago, Estonia restored its independence. On 20 August 1991, as a coup unfolded in Moscow and Soviet troops were already moving through Estonia, the Supreme Council in Tallinn voted at 23:03 to restore the independence of the Republic of Estonia. No one could know for Show more Load image Load image 10 KB Load image 5 KB Load image
Estonian Restoration of Independence Day On August 20, 1991, a few minutes past 11 p.m., the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia adopted a resolution on Estonia's national independence, thereby ending the Soviet occupation and restoring the country's Show more Load image Load image
Freedom should never be taken for granted. Today, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. Happy Restoration of Independence Day, Estonia! Load image
— NATO Force Integration Unit in Estonia (@nfiuestonia) August 20, 2026
Commentary account 20 August A day to remember that freedom is never just a date in history it’s something worth protecting, appreciating, and passing on. Happy Restoration of Independence Day, my Estonia!
The Estonian Day of Restoration of Independence commemorates the reestablishment of Estonia's sovereignty and independence after the end of the Soviet occupation. The Observance plays a significant role in fostering national unity and pride among the Estonian population while promoting a broader understanding of their country's history and cultural heritage.
The Estonian Day of Restoration of Independence was first celebrated on August 20, 1991. The peaceful Singing Revolution, which began in 1987, led to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union and paved the way for Estonia, along with its Baltic neighbors Lithuania and Latvia, to regain their independence. These historic events are not only vital to Estonia but also to the European Union as a whole since they mark the beginning of the end of the Cold War era and further enhanced the process of European integration. The inclusion of Estonia into the European Union in 2004 further solidified this relationship, and the Observance serves as a reminder of the shared values and aspirations between Estonia and the EU member states.
The Estonian Day of Restoration of Independence is observed through cultural events, exhibitions, and other programs that highlight the Estonian heritage and its historical journey towards independence. These events often involve cooperation with local governments and institutions in various EU member states and aim to foster understanding, awareness, and appreciation of Estonia's history and culture. The Estonian Day of Restoration of Independence is observed annually on August 20th.
In the News and Trending in Estonia for Day of Restoration of Independence
Day of Restoration of Independence Top Events and Things to Do
Spread awareness on social media using hashtags such as #RestoringIndependenceEstonia, #FreefromSovietRule and #EstoniaFreeAgain.
Attend the Restoration Parade in Tallin. The military parade is complete with performances and festive events.