The summer of 2025 brings something grand and heartfelt for Estonians – the XIII Global Estonian Cultural Days, also known as ESTO 2025. This unique festival connects Estonians from every corner of the world. The festival’s theme, “Together as One,” beautifully expresses its core values – a shared language, culture, identity, and sense of belonging. Sokisahtel proudly supports this movement with ESTO 2025 merchandise: socks, shirts, tote bags – everything you need to celebrate the ESTO summer!
- What is ESTO?
- ESTO 2025 – The First of Its Kind in Estonia
- Sokisahtel & ESTO – National Colors at Every Step
What is ESTO?
ESTO (short for “Estonian National Days”) began in 1972 in Toronto, Canada. The festival emerged from the desire of Estonian diaspora communities to preserve their culture and language during the time of Soviet occupation in their homeland. Initially, ESTO was both a political and cultural statement – a guardian of national identity far from home.
Over the years, ESTO has evolved into a global cultural event where generations, communities, and cultural figures meet. The festival is held every 4–5 years in various locations around the world, bringing together thousands of Estonians and their friends.
ESTO 2025 – The First of Its Kind in Estonia
The 2025 festival is special for several reasons. First, it takes place in three cities – Stockholm, Narva, and Tallinn. For the first time, ESTO returns to Estonia on such a large scale and is directly connected to the XXVIII Song Celebration and XXI Dance Celebration. This makes ESTO 2025 much more than just a cultural event.
1. Stockholm (June 25–27, 2025)
The festival kicks off in the Swedish capital with concerts, folk culture showcases, and the official ESTO opening at the legendary Skansen open-air museum stages. A special event will be Cyrillus Kreek’s “Requiem” and a major performance by national choirs and dance groups.
2. Narva and Narva-Jõesuu (June 28–30, 2025)
The celebration continues in Eastern Estonia with a national congress, cultural programs, and folk music. A youth congress under the theme “Multilingualism Opens Doors” and an international volleyball tournament will also take place in Narva.
3. Tallinn (July 1–3, 2025)
The festival ends with dignity in Tallinn, featuring international meetings, the ESTO gala, concerts, and culminating in the grand ISEOMA song and dance celebration. This is the moment when all ESTO participants come together at the Song Festival Grounds to celebrate the biggest Estonian cultural event.
Sokisahtel & ESTO – National Colors at Every Step
The ESTO 2025 souvenir collection blends national colors with modern design and meaningful symbolism.
The collection includes:
🧦 Socks – Stylish and comfortable socks in the colors of the Estonian flag. The classic blue-black-white design is perfect for both the ESTO festival and everyday patriotic expression.
👕 Shirts – T-shirts featuring the ESTO 2025 logo, available in all national colors. A simple way to show your pride and support – whether at a concert, parade, or summer day outing.
🧢👜 Caps and tote bags – Practical and eye-catching accessories that combine functionality and national pride. A cap for sun protection, a tote for your festival or beach essentials – you’ll always look stylish and proudly Estonian.
All items can be viewed and ordered HERE.
Final Words – Come and Feel Estonian, Together
ESTO 2025 is more than just a festival. It’s a feeling of belonging. It’s a time when the Estonian language echoes through the streets of Sweden, Narva, and Tallinn’s Old Town. It’s a moment when even Estonians from across the sea reconnect with their roots.