Today is the Riigikogu Open House Day
Today, the Riigikogu, the Parliament of Estonia, celebrates its 106th anniversary with the traditional Open House Day, which this time is dedicated to the Year of the Estonian Book and to the forthcoming Song and Dance Celebration. Activities are organised by the National Library of Estonia, Tallinn Libraries, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, Estonian Film Institute and State Elder August Rei Foundation.
The Riigikogu Open House Day begins at 10.40 with a musical greeting by the Brass Quintet of Tallinn Police Orchestra and the Riigikogu Choir. After the concert, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will deliver the welcoming speech of this year’s Open House Day.
Throughout the day, there will be guided tours of Toompea Castle, including two tours in the Estonian Sign Language. Members of the Riigikogu Anti Poolamets and Kristo Enn Vaga will be among the tour guides. It will also be possible to meet other members of the Riigikogu in the offices of parliamentary groups.
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. As the Tall Hermann Tower is narrow, the group sizes for guided tours are limited. The entrance to the tower is free; visitors will be distributed free tickets showing their time of entry to the tower.
At 12, the traditional café discussion will be held in the café of the Riigikogu. Members of the Riigikogu Kristo Enn Vaga, Ando Kiviberg, Madis Kallas, Rene Kokk, Riina Solman and Lauri Laats will discuss how the government and the citizens can prepare for unexpected situations. The discussion will be moderated by Urmas Vaino.
A traditional quiz between teams from schools and the Riigikogu will take place in the Conference Hall. The Riigikogu will be represented by Eerik-Niiles Kross, Juku-Kalle Raid, Andre Hanimägi, Andrei Korobeinik, Viljar Voog and Aarne Mäe.
The special programme of the Year of the Estonian Book and the Song and Dance Celebration will bring various activities to the Riigikogu: the National Library of Estonia will help you to find your way in information overload and recognise false information, Tallinn Libraries will organise activity and language games, and as always, Katarina Jee Mobile Library is at Toompea for the Open House Day.
The State Elder August Rei Foundation will offer the possibility to complete a crash course in Estonian history and take a picture against the backdrop of August Rei photo wall. Jaak Juske’s history briefings will take place in August Rei Room.
The Estonian Film Institute will show animated Estonian literature classics from their collections; throughout the day, it will be possible to watch new and old Estonian cartoons.
At 3 p.m., the day will close with a concert dedicated to the Song and Dance Celebration “Iseoma” (“Kinship”) in the White Hall. The performers will be Kalamaja Mixed Choir, dance group Sõleke from Tallinn Hobby Centre Kullo, and garmon players Karmoškaässad.
It will be possible to buy souvenirs of the Riigikogu and the Song and Dance Celebration, and the Blue Hepatica badges to support Estonian veterans.
Entry and all activities and events are free.
The Riigikogu Open House Day programme
The first representative body elected by the people in independent Estonia – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Tallinn on 23 April 1919. The Riigikogu commemorates this event with its annual Open House Day, which this year takes place for the 25th time.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
