This blog post was written by our student ambassador Connor, a Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society program student at University of Tartu.
Another year down in the 21st century, and the city of Tartu, Estonia, could not be more excited for this year as Tartu is the European Capital of Culture for 2024.
What is the European Capital of Culture?
The European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) is an initiative under the European Union (EU) designed to promote cultural diversity on the European continent and foster an environment where people can share their experiences and learn from one another.
Tartu was selected as the representative for 2024. The economic impact is an essential undertone of the initiative. With the spotlight on Tartu, more visitors are expected to come, meaning more mouths to feed and heads for beds—the financial additives to being the cultural capital increase significantly.
Why was Tartu selected?
Like Bodo, Norway, and Bad Ischl, Austria, Tartu represents European communities often overlooked for more popular and well-known destinations.
Tartu is an open and welcoming city. With hundreds of international students and thousands of Estonians flocking to Estonia's intellectual capital yearly, the community offers a vibrant, happy-go-lucky yet informed and romantic atmosphere.
(I actually don’t know the exact reason, but if you ask me, that’s the correct answer)
Best Tartu 2024 Events
The Supreme Court of Estonia. Photo: Visit Tartu
Now that we covered the basics of Tartu 2024 let’s jump into the events. Keep in mind this list is highly biased, according to me. You can skip to the next section if you’re looking for the most popular anticipated events.
Here are the events I’m most looking forward to:
- March 3 Stand Up For Your Mind Stand-Up Show
- March 30 The 185th anniversary concert of Väägvere Pasunakoor
- April 20 Open House Tartu 2024
- April 28 Baltic and Estonian Music Days
- May 10 Naked Truth: Sauna Conversations
- May 17 Legal Cafe in the Supreme Court of Estonia
- June 29 “Music of the Bridges” Performance
- July 4-7 Stencibility Street Art Festival 2024
- July 19-20 Kanepi Festival
- August 11 The Delicious Food Route 2024
- August 12-18 Tartu Pride 2024
- August 31 Hidden Treasures of Antsla Parish: Lake Ähijärv
- October 28 Astrophotography Competition Winning Entries Exhibition Opening
- December 7 Christmas Fair
Most Anticipated Tartu 2024 Events
Photo credit: Andrus Liivamäe
- January 26 Tartu 2024 Grand Opening
- June 10 Sting: My Songs 2024 (SOLD OUT)*
- November 2 Ryoji Ikeda’s Solo Exhibition Opening
*even though the concert is already sold out, it’s important to include it as tickets for popular shows quickly vanish - so don’t wait!
Final Comments
I recommend heading to Visit Estonia for complete list of anticipated popular events by category. Overall, no matter your interests or hobbies, there’s something fun and entertaining here for you.
Feel free to write to any of the student ambassadors or the Study in Estonia team. We’re excited for this year and want to see you here studying and enjoying what Tartu in 2024 has to offer.
See you soon in Tartu!
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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