Elagu Eesti!

Tomorrow is Vabariigi aastapäev (Estonian Independance Day), which for many Estonians is the most important holiday of the year (with Jaanipäev a close competitor). The past 2 years I was in Eesti during this weekend, actually last year I spent part of the weekend in Stockholm with Liisa, but I tried to make it to the military parade each year because not only was it patriotic but it was very interesting for me. Canada has a hard working but small military and I don't think we've ever had a parade with missiles, tanks, etc in my lifetime so the chance to see hundreds of soldiers marching was something I didn't want to miss.

This weekend there are lot's of Estonian events in Toronto as well. Today the mayor of Toronto will be hoisting the Estonian flag at city hall, there is a large party tonight at a Latvian bar (there isn't a proper Estonian bar in T.O.) where many Estonian youths will gather to sing Estonian songs and drink Saku. Tomorrow there is an official iseseisvuspäev ceremony followed by a gathering of Estonian veterans at Eesti maja. And to finish off the weekend the well known ETV show Laulge Kaasa will be filming an episode of their show on Sunday in Toronto.

It will be a full Estonian weekend in Toronto. :)

P.S. - I wonder if they they had held the elections this weekend instead of next turnout would be higher?