History

Estonians, Lithuanians and Latvians are famously known as “the singing countries”, thanks to their beautiful Song and Dance Celebration traditions. For our nations, songs and dances are not only about having fun – they are also closely related with freedom to live in our sovereign countries and follow our rules. It was songs that helped us regain our Independence at the end of the last century. Under the communist oppression, song and dance had become crucial for preserving the Baltic identity. Sensing the power of song, the participants rehearsed their Singing Revolutions during each Celebration. And revolutions always attract students, who are eternally brave and ready to take on the responsibility for the future of their countries. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that the longing for their lost freedom encouraged students from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to gather into joint Song Celebrations, and the first „Gaudeamus“ took place in Estonia in 1956.

Since then, „Gaudeamus“ takes place in turns in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania every few years. The festival was last hosted by Vilnius in 1999 and 2011, and finally, having entertained the Latvian and Estonian audiences, is returning in 2022.