Today was the big day - the Estonian Song Festival concert. We have been waiting for this event for months since we heard about it. We were thinking about traveling to the Baltics this summer, and when we started to do a bit of research and realized the song festival was happening in July, our minds were made up. The Estonians have been waiting for it for 5 years. Yes, only does an event like the Estonian Song Festival happen every 5 years. They have been doing it for some time, since the late 1800's. But now with the independence of Estonia, which began with the singing revolution, does it take on an even stronger meaning. We were lucky to have a chance to witness such a cultural musical event. We even felt guilty taking 2 seats away from Estonians, but they want to share this with the rest of the world. So, by having us there we can then spread what we saw and know about their history.
At 2pm a massive, and I mean massive procession began from the center of town. The dancers, singers, bands and Estonian groups from other countries parade to the Song Festival Grounds. We were informed that the start time of 8pm on our tickets was approximate. The concert would begin when the procession arrived. We followed the procession from the center of town only after watching the live TV broadcast in the huge basement of the hostel. When we saw that the final band had started at 6:30 pm, we jumped up and headed down the road. Down the road meant the 3 mile walk to the Festival Grounds, where it was all going down.
We caught up to the end of the parade band that we saw on the TV. We were on our way!
I even spotted another man purse. It was on a trombone player this time. God only know what was in the bag. Definitely mischief of some sort. They sounded great and serenaded us all the way to the grounds.
To our excitement, we caught up to the USA section of the parade. Estonians from all over the world came back to their homeland to participate in the festivities.
Once we arrived I was in awe. I had seen this performance venue on YouTube, but in reality it was unfathomably big. Ginormous is a word that comes to mind!
Katherine splurged and got us some of the few seats right up front in huge chairs, but we entered at the back to wade through the crowd and try to get a better feeling of this event. It looked like a typical 4th of July celebration in the USA with people sprawled out on blankets, but just a lot more of them, and really close together.
This is the view from directly behind our seats. I had a difficult time believing that this was all going to happen. Everyone was super excited.
They started with a few anthems with all the children involved. We were row 7, so the singers came right up to us. I couldn't believe it!
Balloons were released as a torch was brought up a tall tower and a huge fire was lit on top . Yes, it was the same flame from the night before. It will burn until the end of the festivities.
The songs went on from 8:30pm until 11:30pm. Different conductors were honored with directing every song or piece played by the instrumental ensembles. There was a wind band that started that began the concert, but then they switched out with an orchestra. 
Close to the end of the concert I heard the name, Neema Jarvi. The world famous conductor came out and conducted a piece. Unbelievable! There is no way that he could miss this being an Estonian himself.
Towards the end, some songs were repeated per the audiance's demand. These were the songs that they could all sing along with. Talk about moving! The crowd went crazy, even busting out their phone flashlights. 
The 3 hours flew by. Prefect weather, good music, and a cultural overload to last a lifetime. Once it was all over we were able to walk up on the stage at see what it was like from the performers perspective. We followed the crowds into the streets to head back to the hostel. 100,000 people were walking through the street causing an impromptu road closing. Buses with cranky looking passengers were trapped at the curbs and cars on side streets were left sitting. When we had almost reached the old town, and the crowd started to break off to the different sections of town the police came and started yelling at everyone to get on the sidewalk. Nobody listened.
Back at the festival grounds the flame still burns, and will for the concert tomorrow night as well. Then it will be another 5 years until the next Song Festival. The Estonians are a nation thankful for their freedom, and to be a part of something so special will always have a place in my heart and mind.
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