Võidupüha

Võidupüha, meaning Victory Day, is a national holiday in Estonia celebrated on June 23. It commemorates the victory of the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920) and the struggle for Estonia’s independence from Soviet Russia and forces allied with it. The day is closely associated with the events of 1919, when Estonian forces secured a decisive victory that helped establish the country’s independent status, formalized in the Tartu Peace Treaty of 1920. Because June 23 is the eve of Jaanipäev (Midsummer Day), Võidupüha combines solemn remembrance with the festive mood of the coming midsummer.

In contemporary Estonia, Võidupüha is marked by official and public ceremonies. Wreath-laying at war memorials, church services, and flag-raising are common in towns and counties, and the day often features speeches by state officials. National media coverage reinforces its patriotic and historical significance. Many people also participate in community events and concerts.

The holiday emphasizes national memory and the importance of Estonia’s independence, observed nationwide with regional traditions. It serves as a bridge between the remembrance of the War of Independence and the celebrations of Jaanipäev, one of the country’s most prominent traditional holidays.