To say that singing is part of Estonia's national identity is an understatement - because without song in fact there might be no Estonia at all! In 1869 Johann Jannsen established the Estonian Song Festival, whilst the nation was still a province of the Russian Empire, and was responsible for fostering a so-called 'National Awakening'; and in 1988 Estonians gathered here - at the Lauluvaljik - to sing patriotic hymns in what became known as the Estonian Singing Revolution that overthrew the Soviet yoke. Today, Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds are better known for hosting mega international acts, such as Metallica, and the contemporary dance music event, the Sundance Festival.
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