Finland Day in Tallinn on 1 July
As part of the opening programme of the Finnish Presidency of the European Union, Finland was featuring itself in the Old Town of Tallinn on 1 July. Finnish artists were performing at the Town Hall Square – and the real “Moomin” was in attendance to keep children entertained.
The musicians Matti Pitkänen and Henri Haakana were playing in front of the Lahti town tent.
Finland will hold the Presidency of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December this year. This is the second time Finland will hold this important position. Estonia will also get its turn in the future. Because of the close relations between Finland and Estonia, the opening of the Presidency is set to be an especially impressive event for Tallinn.
Famous Finnish artists were performing as part of a diverse programme, which also included Estonian musicians. The evening ended with a special performance from the male choral group Seminaarimäen Mieslaulajat – also known as the Semmarit.
How Many Sisters
Information about Finnish cities, festivals and businesses was available in the Finland-village. The Finland-café was serving Finnish cuisine during the event. At the same time there was an open-day at the Institute of Finland in Estonia, located at 1 Harju Street.
Emil and Nils Mikk were given prizes at the children's drawing competition from the real Moomin and the Little My
The programme for children was taking place all day (until evening) on Harju Street. There was theatre, orchestra, face-painting and trampolining. The famous Finnish cartoon characters, the “Moomin” and the Little My, were also there, direct from Finland.
PROGRAMME
Town Hall Square, big stage, 1 July, 4pm-11pm
4pm. Opening Ceremony: Finnish Ambassador, Jaakko Kalela, Estonian Prime Minister, Andrus Ansip, and Mayor of Tallinn, Jüri Ratas
4.30pm. Music of Raimond Valgre performed by The All-Estonian Youth Symphony Orchestra and Modern Fox, soloists Tapani Kansa and Airi Allvee, conducted by Eri Klas.
7pm. Estonian Dream Big Band, soloists Kirka and How Many Sisters
10pm. SEMMARIT, Seminaarimäen mieslaulajat (men’s choir)
Children’s Programme, Niguliste Church Square, 10am-7pm
11am. Opening! Moomintroll and Orchestra Kengurumeininki
12am. Clown Duo Pallopäät & Magician Janne Raudaskoski
13pm. Theatre Mukamas
14pm. Theatre Mukamas
15pm. Prize-giving for children's drawing contest,
Orchestra Kengurumeininki
17pm. Clown Duo Pallopäät & Magician Janne Raudaskoski
18pm. Theatre Mukamas
Finland-village, Harju Street, 10am-7pm
- The cities of Helsinki, Kotka, Turku, Tampere and Lahti.
- Finnish businesses: Silja Line, Tieto-Enator, Nordea, Fazer, Altia, Valio, MedOne and StoraEnso
- Finnish Tourist Board, MEK
- Finnish Institute in Estonia, 1 Harju Street. Open-day.
- Café Finland (30 June – 1 July)