In 2025, Estonia will mark 500 years since the birth of the first known Estonian-language book as part of a national theme year. The Järvamaa Song and Dance Celebration is dedicated within the ‘Estonian Book 500’ programme to the power of the word and its message. Through the works of writer A. H. Tammsaare, which are rooted in the hearts of Estonian people, we seek to reflect on the depth of words and connect this with the feelings stirred by what is spoken aloud. One of the main messages of the Järvamaa Song and Dance Celebration is the sway of emotions and the power of words. The closer the annual grand celebration comes, the more attention and emotions it creates. There are moments of excitement and eager anticipation, but also, as a counterweight, feelings of weariness and defiance. The world of emotions is as colourful as a national costume skirt. In a skirt, different colours come together to form harmony — could the same happen with the different feelings that arise? The last weekend of May is the time when we gather in a sacred place — Vargamäe, the cultural grove. This gives us the opportunity to feel our roots and reflect on the essence of the Järvamaa Song and Dance Celebration and on the role of each individual. The Järvamaa Song and Dance Celebration is a festival that brings forth many different thoughts and emotions — contradictory as well as harmonious — and all of this, and much more besides, we will bring before audiences with the 2025 celebration.
