The grant recipients of the call for proposals ‘Support for Cultural Societies of Ethnic Minorities 2026’ have been announced. The aim of the grant is to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the languages and cultures of national minorities in Estonia.

Among the recipients are several exciting projects that will soon be brought to life. On Saturday, 11 April, RomFest 2026 will take place, featuring Roma dance, song, and music performers, as well as youth dance workshops open to visitors. Other Roma-related events are also planned, including the 20th anniversary concert ‘Romany Jag’ of the Roma dance and song ensemble Maljarka, and the stage production of travel legends ‘Along Long Roads and Paths…’ (‘Mööda pikki teid ja radu...’).

Among the larger events, the family-friendly ethnic festival ‘Ethnic Embroidery Unites’ (‘Rahvustikand ühendab’ or ‘the Vyshyvanka Day’) will be held on 24 May, focussing on showcasing Estonian and Ukrainian cultural heritage and strengthening ties between the two nations.

In the Lake Peipus region, families can attend Rääbu Day 2026 in June and the Rääbu Autumn Festival. The Estonian Old Believers’ Cultural and Development Association is also planning an exhibition titled ‘Heritage of the Peipus Region: Sacred Art and Handicrafts’.

Armenian art, traditional costumes, and musical instruments can be admired at a dedicated exhibition, and an Armenian cultural programme will also take place at the People’s Museum of Tallinn. Other events include Lithuanian Culture Day and the Estonian-Armenian Folklore Dance Bridge. In addition, numerous dance, folk culture, and youth festivals and events are planned.

This call for proposals supports activities that help sustain traditions related to the cultural heritage of national minorities, introduce minority cultures to the Estonian public, and enable the organisation of festivals, events, and other initiatives by cultural societies. Support is also provided for the publication of informational materials, the creation of cooperation networks between minority and Estonian cultural societies, and the involvement of young people in the activities of cultural societies.

The call for proposals was open from 22 December 2025 to 2 February 2026. The total budget of the call was €81,000, with a maximum grant amount of €6,000 per application.

Non-profit organisations registered in Estonia whose statutory activities are related to the preservation and development of minority cultures were eligible to apply. The call for proposals is funded by the Ministry of Culture.

The objective of the call is to support the continuous activities of minority cultural societies and to increase the visibility of minority cultures in Estonian society.

The results of the call and the list of grant recipients can be viewed here:
https://www.integratsioon.ee/taotlusvoor-rahvusvahemuste-kultuuriseltside-toetus-2026

April is traditionally known as April Fools’ month in Estonia. Now is the perfect time to explore some of the quirky expressions in the Estonian language, which may seem rather odd at first glance. Did you know that in Estonian, not all phrases necessarily mean exactly what you read in the dictionary?

Loviisa Mänd, junior researcher at Tallinn University, is studying Estonian idioms and metaphors. These are phrases whose meaning cannot be deduced directly from the individual words. If you try to translate such phrases word for word, the result can be quite confusing.

For example, if someone tries to ‘talk a hole in your head’ (auku pähe rääkida), your health is not at any risk. What it actually means is that someone very persuasive is trying to get you to agree to something.

Some expressions also change their meaning over time. Let’s take the phrase ‘elbow feeling’ (küünarnukitunne) as an example. Originally, this meant close cooperation and a sense of unity – the knowledge that you are not alone. However, these days, people are increasingly using it also when they are physically in a cramped space, such as on a crowded bus or in the back seat of a car, where someone’s elbow is literally right up against yours.

Put yourself to the test! Can you guess what these idioms actually mean? Choose the correct answer.

1. vanast rasvast (‘from old fat’) 

a. from existing resources

b. without hindrances, with ease

c. from poor-quality raw materials

2. kätt valgeks tegema/saama (‘getting/making your hand white’)

a. becoming honest

b. taking part in a brawl

c. doing something for the first time

3. pika hambaga (‘with long teeth’)

a. reluctantly

b. bit by bit

c. cautiously

4. seanahka vedama (‘dragging pigskin’)

a. lazing about

b. doing unnecessary work

c. behaving lousily

5. hambasse puhuma (‘blowing in the teeth’)

a. going hungry

b. lying

c. asking insistently

6. mütsiga lööma (‘hitting with a hat’)

a. acting without preparation

b. saying something bluntly and directly

c. giving in, admitting defeat

7. lahtise käega (‘with an open hand’)

a. violent

b. skilled

c. generous

8. läbi lillede ütlema (‘saying it through the flowers’)

a. misleading

b. apologising

c. hinting at

9. peenike pihus (‘something thin in the palm’)

a. in a difficult situation

b. payment in cash (coins)

c. new parents

10. nagu munas kana (‘like a hen trying to lay an egg’)

a. powerless

b. overly protective

c. restless

The correct answers: 1. a; 2. c; 3. a; 4. a; 5. b; 6. a; 7. c; 8. c; 9. a; 10. c

You can find more idioms here: https://novaator.err.ee/1609963469/keeleviktoriin-kui-hasti-tunned-eesti-keele-kujundlikke-valjendeid 

The Integration Foundation invites residents of Maardu to participate in a series of educational and conversational events designed to help them learn and practice the Estonian language. Participants can improve their language skills, acquire new knowledge, and explore different learning formats.

Maardu as an important hub for language practice

Maardu was not chosen as the location for these regular meetings by chance. In the opinion of the foundation, the city could offer significantly more opportunities for practising Estonian.

‘There are relatively few opportunities to practice Estonian in Maardu. Therefore, we decided to build on our previous experience and start organising events at the Maardu community centre,’ said Valeria Siminko, coordinator of the Integration Foundation for Harju County.

The Integration Foundation offers several discussion and learning formats at the Maardu community centre: ‘Playful Language Learning’, ‘The Joys of Communication’ – Tuesdays at 2.00 p.m.

‘Communication Pantries’ and ‘Language Practice’, ‘Language Training in Maardu’ – Thursdays at 5.00 p.m.

Varied learning formats and direct interaction

The programmes of the Foundation are based on live interaction and active participation. Classes are led by specialists who are native Estonian speakers.

‘The most popular event is Playful Language Learning, held once a month on Sundays. Typically, two instructors guide up to 24 participants. At the beginning, people get to know each other, and the instructors provide an overview of the session. Depending on the topic, we use various forms of interaction – from group work and conversations in pairs to playful methods and pronunciation exercises,’ explained Valeria Siminõko.

Due to high demand, the Foundation has also added smaller group sessions for up to 12 participants. These are held weekly:

• Tuesdays at 2.00 p.m. – daytime group
• Thursdays at 5.00 p.m. – evening group

Intended participants

The programmes are open to all language learners, but they are especially beneficial for those who have already acquired a basic level of Estonian.

‘Language practice is, of course, most effective after completing a level A2 course. At the same time, people are different, and for many, it is important simply to be in a language environment – to listen, read, and, even if initially less active, still be a committed participant. Therefore, we welcome participants whose language skills start from level A2 and beyond,’ noted Siminõko.

The organisers emphasise that the sessions are also well-suited to those who wish to refresh their language skills after a longer break.

Language for everyday life and inner motivation

The experience of the Integration Foundation in Maardu shows that such events help people not only prepare for exams but also support their intrinsic motivation to use the language. Even after successfully passing language exams at levels A2–C1, many participants continue attending language and cultural events.

Valeria Siminõko referred to this as ‘the magic of success’: ‘After passing exams at levels A2–C1, people do not stop participating in language and culture events. Now, they use the language for themselves and for everyday life, which represents an entirely different level of motivation. We are especially happy when participants who have already passed their language exams join us – they can support those who are still hesitant to speak Estonian with their positive experience and confidence.’

Participation and registration

Participation in all of the events listed above is free of charge. The activities are funded by the Integration Foundation.

To take part:

• Choose a suitable event from the event calendar on the website integratsioon.ee and sign up.
• Keep in mind that a session will take place only if a sufficient number of participants register.

The coordinator of the Integration Foundation encourages people not to postpone learning: ‘Take advantage of the opportunities available to you – do not wait for the perfect moment, act here and now,’ Valeria Siminõko advised.