We gathered early today at TSFG for one last rehearsal before the start of Laulupidu this afternoon. The singers wore bright smiles, and Georgia and Ayla even wore flower crowns they’d made with their host family.

The rain began as singers organized themselves in the shell. Unfortunately for our singers who are down in the front the shell offers no protection from sun or rain, but being in front will afford the TV cameras a good shot of them getting soaked! (What’s our tour motto again? “That’s just the way I like it!” LOL) Our ETV host families kindly arranged to put up a small tent to keep our backpacks and other belongings dry during this long day.

I spoke with one of our Estonian host moms about how often it rains during Laulupidu. “Oh, every festival,” she responded. Estonian national pride cannot be suppressed by mere whims of the weather. They will always hold the song party during the first weekend of July, the anniversary of the first Laulupidu, rain or shine.

After a nearly three hour rehearsal we met up at our tree before walking to the dining building for bread and a bowl of soup. The warm food was welcome on this cold, wet day. Lunch was followed again by some free time to wander TSFG in groups. The rain could not stop our singers from their adventures: singers found jewelry, Estonian sweets, fiber crafts, Laulupidu t-shirts and more.

At 1:45 we regrouped and went with ETV choirs to city buses which took us to the old town. We walked for about 30 minutes to the starting point of the processional. After waiting what seemed an eternity (actually just an hour and a half) the parade began moving. The party spirit was not dampened by the increasingly strong downpour and our singers joined in the fun, singing and carrying our American flag, walking past celebrating crowds lining the parade route. Georgia handed cornflowers (the Estonian national flower) to the small children lining the streets and Felix said he really enjoyed giving so many high-fives. The Estonian people along the path joked to us, “enjoy the summer in Estonia!”

Finally we made it back to the festival grounds and walked across the stage, weary and hungry.

No fear, it was time for dinner and you’ll never guess what we had: MORE SOUP! Again, the hot liquid was good and sitting down in a dry place was also a welcome respite from hours standing and walking in the rain.

Soon it was time to line up for the opening concert! The singers filed into their spots in the full choir and we watched as the flame, carried across all of Estonia for this event, was brought in and carried up to the top of the tower. We had chills as the huge torch was lit and the choir sang Koit (“Dawn”) and the Estonian National Anthem! After that some of the adult choirs left and our singers took their spots on the shell for the remainder of the hours-long concert. It didn’t actually go as late as we expected (one of the ETV moms said they’d be on stage until midnight!) and the singers came off stage around 10:30 in high spirits.

“All of it was worth it for Ilus Maa!” -Keanna

“I GOT ON THE BIG SCREEN!!” -Josie

“It was a crazy day, Ayla and I talked with the President of Estonia and we gave him a flower from the Ilus Maa bouquet!” -Mei

“I loved it, it was very fun. Cold but worth it. My favorite part was the Ilus Maa encore.” -Michael

“All the phone flashlights in the audience looked like stars during Ilus Maa, it was so magical.” -Audrey

(I think they liked Ilus Maa, what do you think?)