Tallinn Day celebrates the acquisition of Lübeck city rights in 1248, which included Tallinn as a member of the Union of European Cities. On Monday, 15 May, Tallinn will be 775 years old. The birthday events will begin on 14 May, when Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Tallinn Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart will open the Short Leg Gate.

"The purpose of celebrating Tallinn Day is to increase the feeling of home among residents of Tallinn and honour the city's centuries-long history,” said Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart. “However, this year is special because our home city is carrying the title of European Green Capital. Thus, the city's birthday plan is to hold as many activities as possible in public space – from a bird watching trip in Paljassaare to open-air concerts in Freedom Square and Kadriorg. As always, one of the most important events will be the writing of a joint dictation on the topic of Tallinn, which this year will take place on 15 May at the Tallinn Zoo. We are inviting everyone interested in the Estonian language to attend."

The birthday of green Tallinn will start with the Paljassaare bird watching tour at 07:00 on 13 May from the Pikakari beach car park. During the trip, hobby ornithologist Peep Veedla will guide bird enthusiasts along the paths of the birds living in the city and introduce their songs. Information on registration for the tour is available here.

The events of Tallinn Day traditionally begin with a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Mayor at the Short Leg Gate connecting the upper and lower city. According to custom, the Prime Minister has to knock on the city gate on the Toompea side, after which the Mayor opens the gate and they greet the city’s residents. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart will open the Short Leg Gate at 10:00 on Sunday, 14 May.

We definitely recommend going to Kadriorg Park on Sunday, where the Tallinn Day concert starts at 15:00 – a beautiful event that befits Mothers’ Day evening. Andreas, Ollie, Ivo Linna and Supernova as well as Kaire Vilgats and Ott Lepland will be performing. From 12:00-14:00, folk dance groups will perform at Freedom Square.

The opening ceremony of Tallinn Day will take place at 10:30 on Monday, 15 May, on the Town Hall Square and the Tallinn Police Orchestra will be performing. The Town Hall, which celebrated its 700th anniversary last year, will be open to visitors from 10:30-18:00.

Everyone interested in the Estonian language – regardless of age, profession or mother tongue – can participate in a dictation at 12:00 at the Tuuliku picnic area in Tallinn Zoo. Kristo Elias, known from the TV nature programme Osoon, will be reading the text this time. During the break, the popular zoologist Aleksei Turovski will talk about animals and nature. There will be a guided tour to the enclosure of polar bears, seals and eagles. Entrance to the zoo is free for those who will be writing a dictation. Pre-registration is required on the website tallinn.ee/etteutlus.

The tour ‘Seven Centuries of Pirita Convent’ will start at 18:00 in front of the gate tower of Pirita Convent, including an overview of life in the convent, the search for a secret underground path and a nun’s gold ring. We will look back on the Olympic regatta and find connections with the Estonian films The Last Relic and Melchior the Apothecary as well. Pre-registration is required at [email protected] or by calling +372 683 0955.

Tallinn Day is organised by the Tallinn City Office in cooperation with the Tallinn Culture and Sports Department, district governments and Tallinn Town Hall. You can find the programme on the website tallinn.ee/tallinnapaev.