The Riigikogu celebrates its 107th anniversary
107 years ago today, the first representative body elected by the people – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Estonia. It passed many decisions that laid the foundations for our state. We celebrate this day as the birthday of the Riigikogu, the Parliament of Estonia.
The Constituent Assembly, which acted as the representative body of the people and the legislative power of Estonia, met for the first time Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn on 23 April 1919, and elected August Rei as its Chairman. The task of the first parliament was to lay the foundations for the Estonian statehood, and to adopt the Constitution and the Land Act. The Constituent Assembly worked until 20 December 1920, when the functions of the representative body were taken over by the first Riigikogu.
The celebrations of the 107th birthday of the Riigikogu began yesterday evening, when the St. George’s Night signal fire commemorating the rebellion that took place in 1343 was received in the Governor’s Garden at Toompea, and candles were lit in memory of all the members of the Constituent Assembly.
It has become a tradition of the Riigikogu to open the Parliament buildings and the Tall Hermann Tower to the public on its birthday week. This year, the Riigikogu will hold its Open House Day for the 26th time. The Open House Day will take place on Saturday, 25 April, and bring thousands of visitors from Estonia and abroad to the Parliament of Estonia.
This year, the Open House Day special programme is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of restoration of the independence of the Republic of Estonia on 20 August. The activities will be provided by the August 20th Club, State Elder August Rei Foundation, VABAMU Museum of Occupations and Freedom, Tallinn TV Tower, National Library of Estonia, and Tallinn Libraries. Katariina Jee Mobile Library will also be at Toompea. You can also listen to a short history lecture by former Member of the Riigikogu, historian Jaak Juske or purchase the Blue Hepatica Campaign souvenirs from the volunteers of the Women’s Home Defence.
The Tall Hermann tower will be open to visitors. Tours take place every full and half hour from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. The size of tour groups is limited, free tickets to the tours will be distributed in the courtyard of Toompea Castle on a first-come, first-served basis.
All events and activities of the Open House Day are free. No prior registration is required.
Guests of the Open House Day who are 18 or older are kindly asked to provide a photo-identity document for entry into the Riigikogu on the Open House Day.
Programme and more information can be found on the Riigikogu web page.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
