More than 3,000 residents of Ida-Viru County and visitors gathered in Narva on 20 August for a Community Picnic marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. The day began with discussions in Rugodiv Park and continued with a large-scale community sing-along in Joaorg, where nearly 230 choir singers took the stage.
The Community Picnic kicked off in Rugodiv Park with a discussion programme titled Community Voice, featuring six discussions across three different discussion areas. In the Community Zone, journalists Mihhail Komaško and Erik Kalda led a discussion on Narva’s identity and local governance. In the Mental Health and Creativity Zone, discussions were led by psychologist Anton Kislitsõn and Antonina Lattu, who works with youth and community initiatives. The Youth Zone focused on young people’s future in Ida-Viru County and their relationships with adults. The discussions were led by youth initiative leader Mario Polšin and Mihhail Mogutov, an educational counsellor at Narva Estonian Gymnasium.
Gallery (photos: Anastassia Volkova).
“We wanted to create an opportunity for people in Ida-Viru County to come together freely and discuss issues that genuinely affect their everyday lives and the future of the region. The discussions were insightful and open, showing that despite our different backgrounds and languages, we share many of the same questions, ideas and aspirations. It is through such meetings that better understanding, new ideas and a stronger community can grow,” said Jevgeni Timoštšuk, Project Manager for Community Activities in Ida-Viru County at the Integration Foundation.
The Community Picnic continued in Joaorg with a Song Picnic, taking the audience on a musical journey through Ida-Viru County. The journey began in Narva and, through songs and visuals, took the audience to Narva-Jõesuu, Toila, Sillamäe, Jõhvi, Kohtla-Järve and Kiviõli before finally returning to Narva. The repertoire reflected the diverse places, generations, languages and cultures of Ida-Viru County. Some 230 choir singers performed popular songs, including “Ta lendab mesipuu poole,” “Eesti muld ja Eesti süda” and “Isamaa ilu hoieldes.”
“Community singing is becoming a beautiful tradition in Narva for celebrating 20 August. This year’s Song Picnic once again showed how much people enjoy spending time together and singing. After the event, I heard many warm words from people, with several saying that Narva could use more opportunities for shared moments like these. The aim of the Song Picnic was to bring together the diverse places, generations, languages and cultures of Ida-Viru County through music and create a shared sense of belonging. I am deeply grateful to all the singers, musicians and partners who helped make this special evening possible. I believe this evening will stay in the memories of the people of Narva for a long time,” said Anna Farafonova, Head of the Estonian Language House at the Integration Foundation.
The grand sing-along featured performances by the Narva Culture House Rugodiv Tandem Choir, the Narva Music School Youth Mixed Choir “Vaimustus”, the Narva Boys’ Choir, the Narva House of Peoples’ Choir, the Narva folklore ensemble “Suprjadki”, the Male Choir “Kaevur”, the Lüganuse Mixed Choir, the Kirderanniku Choir, the Iisaku Mixed Choir, and the Jõhvi Gymnasium Youth Choir. The Tallinn Mixed Choir Sakala also took part in the Song Picnic as a guest choir. The lyrics to all the songs were displayed on a large screen, allowing the audience to sing along. The Song Picnic concluded with a performance by Anne Veski and her band.
The event’s creative team was made up primarily of artists and other creative professionals from Ida-Viru County. The event was created and produced by Anna Farafonova and Jevgeni Timoštšuk. Alo Puustak contributed to the production as a creative partner and expert. The evening was hosted by Ave Landrat and Signe Viilop, with video artist Kati Jägel-Paal and principal conductor Kirill Gorjušin also contributing to the programme. The overall production was complemented by illustrations created by the artists of Ida-Virumaa’s Sketchy Seiklus.
The event is organised by the Integration Foundation’s Narva Estonian Language House in cooperation with communities and partners. 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).
