We value cultural diversity! We are all the face of Estonia
Estonia has long been home to many nationalities. Today, representatives of 216 nationalities live in our country. The vast majority of us carry on Estonian culture, for example, by speaking the Võru language, following Seto customs or practising folk dancing. At the same time, many of us represent the cultures of other peoples – some have ancestors who lived overseas, others carry on the customs of parents of different nationalities.
The differences and similarities that arise from so many cultures make each of us unique and generate our common cultural wealth. We often take cultural diversity for granted – we eat tacos with gusto, wear traditional patterns, go to flamenco lessons or enjoy Italian melodies without thinking about the cultures behind them.
September is the best month to pay attention to all our nations and all our cultural diversity – this month we celebrate National Minorities Day. Here are some simple recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
> Appreciate our cultural diversity! In September, you can visit, discover and appreciate the cultural diversity around us. September is Estonian Food Month, when more than 30 events and festivals dedicated to local cuisine are held. Discover exciting Estonian food month events. In addition to food, it is possible to appreciate our cultural diversity at various other events, be it concerts, fairs or cultural evenings. Find the events that interest you in the calendar – this is a great opportunity to take part in the Cultural Diversity Year!
> Preserve all our cultures! When was the last time you learned something new? We have put together study opportunities, information about workshops and courses with our partners. What study opportunities would you recommend for those who want to be part of our diversity of cultures? If you are organising or know of a study opportunity, write to us at 2024@integratsioon.ee.
> Celebrate Day of Nationalities! Think about how different and at the same time similar we are! September 24 is Day of Nationalities in Estonia, which offers a wonderful opportunity to highlight the diversity of the national communities living in our country, to celebrate and bring us all together. No matter how similar or different we are, Estonia is home to all of us. During the ongoing Cultural Diversity Year, we will be able to celebrate Day of Nationalities on a larger scale than previously – in every county and with a variety of events: September 14-30, everyone is welcome to participate in concerts, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other events that allow you to get to know different national cultures; September 24, i.e. Day of Nationalities in Estonia, everyone is welcome to raise the Estonian flag and wear folk costumes or accessorise their outfit with national elements. The programme of events can be found here and on the website of the Cultural Diversity Year from September 7.
> Immerse yourself in cultural diversity this autumn - September, uեպտեմբեր, sentyabr, სექტემბერი, settembre, אוגוסט, кыркүйек, сентябрь, September, wrzesień, septembre, syyskuu, вересень, süküskuu, mihklikuu, süküskuu, sihklikuu. We give September many different and yet similar names! According to the census, there are 216 nationalities and several Estonian communities in Estonia, we communicate with each other in 243 languages and in several dialects of Estonian. Likewise, the experiences which enrich our everyday lives at home, in our communities, and beyond are both similar and different. For example, we celebrate common national holidays, but we also make a point to mark significant days from our national heritage and the international calendar. In addition, we get together at events where we reflect on topics that concern us all and where it is also possible to discover one or another national culture.
If you know of an upcoming date that has not yet been marked in our calendar, please share the name of the occasion with us along with the description and your contact details by writing to 2024@integratsioon.ee.
