New York celebrates the 100th anniversary of Estonia

The Estonian Cultural Days in New York are about to take off big in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, March 26, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A four-day event expanding from March 28-31, 2018, at the Estonian House in New York City, will bring together both ethno-folk music and unique old Estonian seto performers and a progressive public forum discussing the future of cultural identity in the U.S.

The Estonian Cultural Days in New York, with 48 years of legacy, presents a program focusing on the roots of Estonian culture and looking forward into the future of Estonian culture in the United States and the world.

The program includes performers such as an experimental folk band Duo Malva & Priks and an all-female Southern-Estonian Seto Singers “Siidisõsarõ.” For the first time in Cultural Days history, a world premiere of an Estonian theater performance takes place - a play “Kuuvarjutus” right here in the heart of Manhattan. In honor of Estonia’s 100th birthday, the festival hosts a documentary film screening series, including “Those Who Dare” directed by Ólafur Rögnvaldsson, and a short film “Raising the Flag,” both focusing on the Baltic nations’ path to independence from the USSR.


“The aim is to look back and celebrate what Estonians have achieved as a young but strong nation and to think about the future and its potentials. How can Estonians abroad utilize their unique skills and connection to help innovate and further promote our culture and cultural uniqueness?” said Creative Director Valev Laube.

Since 2016, the Estonian Cultural Days are put together by two enthusiastic Estonian-born experts - the executive director Kadri Napritson-Acuna and creative director Valev Laube - supported by a large community of volunteers, sponsors and enthusiasts. For the past 48 years, the Estonian Cultural Days have been an important annual event bringing together all generations and nationalities of people interested in the Estonian culture in the United States.
The cultural days will end with a fascinating panel-discussion looking into cultural identities and how culture acts as a tool to create a community, build bridges between nations and raise awareness of Estonia. Five industry-leading experts will discuss their experiences with cultural export and sustainable community-building in the United States.
“As a relatively young Estonian who has had the privilege to travel and see the world without closed borders, I feel especially motivated to be able to contribute my time and energy to offer people the best Estonian cultural program to Estonians away from their homeland,” said Executive Director Kadri Napritson-Acuna.

In the past, the cultural days have brought to New York performers, artists and politicians from Estonia, as well as neighboring countries in North America. Some of the previous performers include Marko Matvere, Ott Lepland, Tanja Mihhailova, Liis Lemsalu, WAF Choir, Taavi Teplenkov, Monika-Evelin Liiv, Holger Marjamaa, Priit Vesilind and many others. It's become the gateway for many artists to introduce their creative work to Estonian-Americans as well as a wider audience in the United States.

“I could definitely say that this tradition is rooted in everyone’s hearts and it is an essential part of the New York Estonian community. Every year it brings together hundreds of Estonians and friends of Estonia to celebrate our independence, freedom and cultural progress in a warm and loving company,” described Laube the uniqueness of this event.

Prior to the beginning of the festival, local New York-based dancers, led by choreographer Diina Tamm, will collaborate with Estonian traditional singers “Siidisõsarõ” to record a short music video celebrating the 100th anniversary of Estonia and the work that Estonians in the U.S. have done to preserve and celebrate Estonian culture.
For more information and registration, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/estonianculturaldays or website www.estonianculture.org/culturaldays.

Valev Laube
Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters, Inc.
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