Public Holidays in Estonia 2025 – National & Cultural Calendar
Estonia observes a set of national public holidays that reflect its history, Christian traditions, and folk culture. These days are legally non-working and are observed across the country, with many cultural rituals, parades, and family gatherings.
Overview of Public Holidays in Estonia
Public holidays in Estonia are regulated by law. They include Christian observances like Good Friday and Easter, as well as national days celebrating independence, restoration of independence, and midsummer traditions. Some observances (e.g., Epiphany, Flag Day) are noted culturally but are not always non-working holidays.
List of Public Holidays in Estonia (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Uusaasta) | January 1 | Wednesday | First day of the Gregorian year. |
| Independence Day (Iseseisvuspäev) | February 24 | Monday | Commemorates the declaration of Estonia’s independence in 1918. |
| Good Friday (Suur reede) | April 18 | Friday | Christian commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion. |
| Easter Sunday (Ülestõusmispühade 1. püha) | April 20 | Sunday | Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. |
| Spring Day / May Day (Kevadpüha) | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day (non-working day). |
| Whit Sunday / Pentecost (Nelipühade 1. püha) | June 8 | Sunday | Christian feast 50 days after Easter. |
| Victory Day (Võidupüha) | June 23 | Monday | Marks victory in the Battle of Võnnu (1919) and national pride. |
| Midsummer Day / St. John’s Day (Jaanipäev) | June 24 | Tuesday | Traditional midsummer celebration with bonfires and folk rituals. |
| Independence Restoration Day (Taasiseseisvumispäev) | August 20 | Wednesday | Celebrates the restoration of Estonia’s independence in 1991. |
| Christmas Eve (Jõululaupäev) | December 24 | Wednesday | Evening before Christmas (public holiday). |
| Christmas Day (Esimene jõulupüha) | December 25 | Thursday | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. |
| Boxing Day / Second Day of Christmas (Teine jõulupüha) | December 26 | Friday | Second day of Christmas holiday. |
Note: Estonia does not shift holidays that fall on weekends to weekdays; the date stays fixed.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Christian holidays such as Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas reflect Estonia’s Christian heritage, though many Estonians are secular. The midsummer celebration (Jaanipäev) is deeply rooted in folk tradition and is marked with bonfires, singing, dancing, and nature rituals. National days like Independence Day (February 24) and Restoration of Independence (August 20) commemorate pivotal moments in Estonian statehood and feature flag ceremonies and public events.
Public Observances and Closures
On public holidays, government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close nationwide. In larger cities such as Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu, cultural events, parades, and concerts are common. Midsummer Day is often celebrated in rural areas with community bonfires and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Estonia have in 2025?
In 2025, Estonia observes 12 legally non-working public holidays.
Does Estonia shift a holiday if it falls on a weekend?
No. Estonia does not move public holidays that fall on weekends to other weekdays.
What is Jaanipäev (Midsummer Day) in Estonia?
Jaanipäev, or Midsummer Day (June 24), is one of Estonia’s most cherished cultural holidays, combining folk traditions, bonfires, and singing to celebrate the arrival of summer.
Why is Victory Day on June 23 celebrated?
Victory Day (Võidupüha) on June 23 commemorates Estonia’s victory in the Battle of Võnnu (Cēsis) in 1919, a key triumph in the War of Independence.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Estonia reflect a unique blend of national pride, Christian observance, and folk tradition. Whether marking independence, celebrating midsummer, or honoring centuries-old customs, these holidays shape the rhythm of Estonian life year by year.
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