Day of restoration of independence of Estonia (20/08)

On August 20, Estonia celebrates the public holiday — Independence Restoration Day (est. Taaseseisvumispäev).

The reason for the restoration of independence of the three Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which had been part of the USSR since 1940, was the events of August 1991, when an attempted coup took place in the Soviet Union.

On August 20, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR decided to restore the independence of Estonia on the basis of the principle of «historical succession of Estonian statehood» (the principle of «historical succession» meant that in place of the Estonian SSR the Republic of Estonia, which existed in the 1918‑1940s, was legally restored).

Also, the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR decided on the independence of Estonia and on the creation of the Constitutional Assembly to develop the Basic Law of Estonia.

Soon after this, the states of the world began to recognize the independence of Estonia; on September 17, 1991, Estonia became a full member of the UN.

The holiday of restoring independence is traditionally celebrated in Tallinn with ceremonial events and folk festivals. The festive ceremony takes place at the memorial stone on Toompea near the building of the Estonian Parliament. A concert is taking place on Town Hall Square.

An important event on August 20 is the laying of wreaths at the monuments of Independence Restoration Day. Ceremonial events take place throughout the country.

In addition to today, Estonia also celebrates Independence Day on February 24th.

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