Free Estonian Word

On July 14-15, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) joined the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) to meet with over a dozen congressional offices, committees, and Members of Congress to seek continued support for legislative priorities. In addition, JBANC organized a July 14 briefing in the U.S. Capitol...

Over the years, many of us have accumulated old photos, albums, and pictures on our phones filled with memories of past Scout and Guide camps, Estonian Sport Days and the annual ESTO Ski gathering. All too often, these memories fade into the background, with no easy way to preserve or...

On June 10th, the New York Estonian House proudly joined New York Music Month for the very first time with BALTICS NOW — an evening celebrating the contemporary sounds of the Baltic States in the heart of Manhattan. Audiences experienced three outstanding artists representing the diversity and creativity of today’s...

Recently, I participated in the 30th Biennial Conference of AABS, the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, held May 28-30 at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. It was the ninth AABS conference I’ve attended. Many Estonian scholars from various disciplines were there, along with those from Latvia, Lithuania, the...

Midsummer, known in Estonia as Jaanipäev, is celebrated in remarkably similar ways on both sides of the Gulf of Finland. The idyllic setting includes a bonfire beside a lake or pond, new potatoes and grilled meat, a few refreshments, a sauna, folk or dance music, sunset, and romantic fortune-telling rituals...

The EANC Election Committee presents the official list of confirmed candidates for the XXIV Council of the Estonian American National Council (EANC), together with their introductions. Candidates could submit their introductions in Estonian, English, or both languages. In accordance with the EANC bylaws, 34 council members will be elected from...

We’ll explore big picture issues confronting Estonians today, celebrate the rich song and dance traditions that connect and keep us, consider the Estonian language as a vehicle for creative expression, and so much more, all while celebrating over 75 years of the West Coast Estonian Days. Introducing our program NELJAPÄEV...

The eighth Ukraine Action Summit was held in Washington, DC, from April 19-22, with a weekend conference, an April 20 training session, and congressional meetings on April 21-22. Summits have been held each spring and fall since 2022, following the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The American Coalition for Ukraine,...

One of Estonia’s leading internationally acclaimed composers, Jüri Reinvere presents his new Concerto for Violin, Harp and Orchestra in a world premiere with the Cleveland Orchestra. The performance brings together violinist Leila Josefowicz, harpist Trina Struble, and conductor Franz Welser-Möst. Lembi Veskimets from Toronto is a long-standing member of the...

Eesti Pank is issuing a two-euro coin with a special design on 5 June that is dedicated to the beloved character Sipsik from children’s storybooks, who has been a favourite among generations of readers and has inspired a love of books in tens of thousands of children. Sipsik was created...