Celebration of cultural richness in the Old Townevadel

You don't hear authentic Tatar, Ingrian or Mordvian folk singing in Tallinn every day. This is exactly the kind of ethnically colourful song and dance culture you can see and hear at the Tallinn Old Town Days starting on 7 May. On the stage of cultural richness in the Commander's Garden three days of special focus on Estonia's diverse communities, the full range of thehistades with dozens of free concerts. a year of cultural richness.

The cultural programme in Komandandi Garden, developed in cooperation with the Integration Foundation, introduces Estonia's vibrant international folk heritage and contemporary creativity, highlighting the importance of intercultural communication and diversity.

 Friday, 7 May: multicultural Ida-Viru County and Narva

The stage of cultural richness will be opened by a diverse programme of events from Ida-Virumaa. Minority cultural collectives, such as folk musicians from the Alutaguse region and the Belarusian Society's singing group BEZ, will offer an authentic experience. Perelaz, an ensemble of the Ukrainian Society of Kohtla-Järve, will sing and play from the heart, and Metsakukat, a group of the Ida-Virumaa Ingerisoom Society, will offer dance entertainment.

The second half of the day will be occupied by high-level representation from the city of Narva. The concert will be opened with a song in Tatar, sung by the leader of the Narva Tatar Cultural Society, Rafael Sharafetdinov, a beloved member of the community. Folk dancing and singing in several languages will be performed on stage. The highlight of the evening will be a joint performance by the folklore ensemble Supriyadki and Vladimir Cherdakov. The day will be rounded off with a lively performance by the Kohtla-Järve Gümnaasiumi folk rock band KRATT.

Saturday 8 May: games, dance and song in more than ten languages

Saturday's focus will be on highlighting the rich culture of minority ethnic groups living in Estonia. Musicians, ensembles and soloists representing Ukrainian, Jewish, Udmurt, Chuvash, Mordovian, Bashkir, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Latvian, Belarusian, Kazakh, Korean, Moroccan, Polish and Seto cultures will perform.

The performers include genuine natural talents as well as internationally acclaimed vocal and dance troupes. Colourful experiences are guaranteed.

Pühap9 May: Saaremaa võlu Tallinn southdames

The last day brings Saaremaa in all its honesty and warmth to the heart of Tallinn. The concert, which starts at noon, will feature performances by the Kannelnäpud from Orissaare and Valjala, the Saaremaa Singing and Dance Club and the Meite Moodi accordion ensemble, the Village Musician of the Year 2023 Tõnu Eermann, the Taritu Male Ensemble and Simmu Mats with bellows and song. The day will be rounded off by jazz duo Pille-Rite Rei and Kusti Lemba.

Tallinn Old Town Days offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the richness of different cultures and enjoy a varied programme. To find out as much as possible, check the timetable on the website. vanalinnapaevad.ee. You can also find up-to-date information and reminders of key events on the Old Town Days Facebook and Instagram pages.

Press release by Marko Kodres