On 20 August, the Integration Foundation will organise a Community Picnic in Narva to celebrate Estonia's Restoration of Independence Day, bringing together residents from Ida-Viru County and visitors. During the day, participants can discuss the future of the region, take part in workshops, meet new people, and end the day by singing together at Narva Joaorg.
The day begins at 12:00 noon in Rugodiv Park with discussions and workshops. The park will be divided into several thematic areas focusing on issues that matter to the people of Ida-Viru County: the future of young people, local identity, cooperation between the community and local authorities, urban space, mental health, and intergenerational dialogue. This is a place where everyone can share their thoughts and experiences.
“The Community Picnic gives people the opportunity to meet, listen to one another, and create new connections. Celebrating Estonia’s Restoration of Independence Day, we bring together people, languages, cultures, and traditions, because trust grows through open conversations, listening to one another, and spending time together. We want 20 August to be a day when we can reflect together on the present and on how we envision the future of Ida-Viru County,” said Anna Farafonova, Head of the Estonian Language House at the Integration Foundation.
In the evening, the Community Picnic will move to Narva Joaorg, where a large community sing-along will begin at 5:00 PM. Choirs from all over Ida-Viru County will take the stage at the Song Picnic: the Rugodiv Culture Centre Tandem Choir, the Narva Music School Youth Mixed Choir “Vaimustus”, the Narva Boys’ Choir, the Narva House of Nationalities , the Narva folklore ensemble “Suprjadki”, the Men's Choir “Kaevur”, the Lüganuse Mixed Choir, the Kirderanniku Choir, the Iisaku Mixed Choir, and the Jõhvi Gymnasium Youth Choir. The Tallinn Mixed Choir “Sakala” will also join them as a guest. The choirs will perform Estonian, Russian, Ukrainian, Votic, and Izhorian songs. The evening will end with a performance by the beloved singer Anne Veski.
“The second part of the day is a visual and musical journey through the places, moods, and stories of Ida-Viru County. The audience is not merely there to watch but is part of the shared experience – the song lyrics will be displayed on a large screen so that everyone who wishes can sing along throughout the concert,” added Jevgeni Timoštšuk, Project Manager for Community Activities in Ida-Viru County at the Integration Foundation.
Kogukonnapiknik (Community Picnic) is free for everyone. The organisers invite people to come with their families, friends, neighbours, or colleagues. For the evening programme, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, a picnic basket, and your good mood. Please dress according to the weather.
The event takes place within the framework of the European Social Fund project “Support for Community Activities Promoting Integration” (No. 2021–2027.4.07.24-0017).