Let us shape tomorrow together! The future is in the hands of each and every one of us
The upcoming New Year’s Eve inspires us all to think about the future. On the other hand, there are still things that we can do in November when it comes to our cultural diversity. Thinking about the last months of the year, the new year, and the future further away, we can bring up the following issues and reach conclusions: What can we do to make sure that the diversity of our cultures remains a strength of Estonia? Which opportunities will cultural diversity provide us in the future? What do we wish to achieve by preserving and merging our national peculiarities?
We would like to share some recommendations for doing that:
> Take part in the integration conference! The Integration Foundation and the Ministry of Culture will bring together renowned researchers and practitioners on 14–15 November for the integration conference entitled ‘Cultural diversity – An Obstacle or an Opportunity in Shaping a Cohesive Society?’.
Researchers and practitioners from Estonia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and other countries will discuss four themes: cultural diversity and democracy; a common information space, culture space, and values space in the era of digital bubbles; radicalisation and democracy; and electoral and migration trends. The presentations and discussions will be complemented by a debate between Estonian politicians. The conference will also offer the opportunity to watch the film called Salajas (Turning Tables), which explores cultural diversity and is featured in the programme of the Black Nights Film Festival.
The speakers and the programme of the conference can be found on the website of the integration conference. You can register to take part in the conference free of charge until 8 November at www.integrationconference.ee.
> Visit PÖFF (BNFF)! For more than twenty-five years, the Black Nights Film Festival has been bringing the new works of cinematographers from every corner of the world to Estonia. The role of the BNFF in introducing the cultural heritage, customs, and lives of the people from far-away countries to the Estonian audiences cannot be overestimated. The FIAPF certificate grants the BNFF a unique right to include films from all regions in its main competition programme. There are only fifteen of such top festivals in the world.
On the background of the above, it makes perfect sense that the BNFF is cooperating with the Year of Cultural Diversity, thereby enabling you to enjoy several films about cultural diversity from 8–24 November (the films can be found from the programme by using the keyword ‘cultural diversity’ and by watching out for the logo of the Year of Cultural Diversity):
Silent Trees (currently unpublished)
Lugedes Teheranis Lolitat (Reading Lolita in Tehran)
Agent of Happiness (currently unpublished)
> Make your way to the St. Martin’s Fair! The St. Martin’s Fair, organised in Tallinn since 1997, is the highlight of the year for the masters of national crafts, as well as for those who appreciate their work. This year on 7–9 November, Unibet Arena (formerly known as Saku Suurhall) in Tallinn will be offering a rich selection of all kinds of artisanal products, national dishes, and beverages. Unlike previous years, there will also be the Cultural Diversity handicraft station at the fair, with the works of Ingerian-Finn and Votic masters on offer.
As the traditional and eagerly awaited St. Martin’s Day Fair of the Tuglas Society in Helsinki has been cancelled this year due to budget cuts, we would like to invite all our Finnish friends to visit the fair in Tallinn!
> Enjoy the all souls’ period! The all souls’ period with its dark, foggy, and dim weather is an ideal time for introspection and relaxation – after the busy harvest and before the hectic Christmas time. Therefore, no noisier work, loud behaviour, or fanfare are allowed in this period. This is the time for paying respects to the souls of our ancestors who have departed and welcoming them back to their former homes, lighting candles for them on the All Souls’ Day, setting the table for them, and asking them to protect us. St. Martin’s Day and St. Catherine’s Day – two holidays which people have traditionally associated with dressing up and asking for luck with their cattle and crop – are also celebrated in the same period in Estonia. Many customs with pagan origins, but Christian traditions have spread all over Europe, such as children going from house to house and begging for sweets, cooking a St. Martin’s Day hen, or eating a lot of meat before the pre-Christmas fast in general.
Please take a look at the calendar of the Year of Cultural Diversity to find various events organised in the all souls’ period, or check out the social media account of the Year of Cultural Diversity for interesting customs and good advice.
Let us know about your cultural diversity-related activities! Include your activities in the calendar of the Year of Cultural Diversity or tell us about them by sending an email to 2024@integratsioon.ee.
