Estonia’s journey to reclaim independence in 1991 – after half a century under Soviet rule – is often remembered for the courage and unity of the Estonian people. Mass singing demonstrations, human chains across the Baltics, and shrewd political moves defined this “Singing Revolution.” Less known, however, is the covert but crucial support from neighboring Finland. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Finland acted as a supportive “big brother,” quietly funneling financial aid, training, and resources to help Estonia rebuild its state – all while maintaining a delicate balance with the Soviet Union.

Every five years, Estonia’s Laulupidu and Tantsupidu turn Tallinn into a sea of song and swirling folk costumes—but the chorus echoing across the city is only part of a larger Baltic story. From 19th‑century national awakenings through the peaceful “Singing Revolution” that toppled Soviet rule, mass choral and dance festivals in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have kept language, identity, and freedom alive. This richly reported feature dives into that shared heritage, showing how three small nations still unite hundreds of thousands of voices—and remind the world that a people who can sing together can also change their destiny.

Nordic and Baltic leaders have become among the most vocal and active supporters of Ukraine’s fight against Russia. In a February 2025 joint statement, the eight countries (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland plus Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) vowed to “further increase” support for Ukraine, emphasizing that “Ukraine must be able to prevail against Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure a just and lasting peace”.

As a celebrity makeup artist working with red carpet clients, editorial shoots, and high-definition film, skin is truly the canvas that makes or breaks any look. Great makeup begins with great skin—radiance can’t be faked under the unforgiving lens of a camera.

From its 1972 exile roots in Toronto to this summer’s tri-city spectacle spanning Stockholm, Narva, and Tallinn, ESTO has been the heartbeat of the global Estonian diaspora. Explore its storied past—and why ESTO 2025 is the ultimate cultural homecoming for North American Estonians.

Beneath the hiss of birch-fed steam, a centuries-old Nordic ritual is suddenly the coolest wellness ticket in town. From smoke-blackened huts in the forests of Finland and Estonia to glass-walled “contrast-therapy” pop-ups on Venice Beach, sauna culture has journeyed across the Atlantic—picking up bio-hackers, Silicon Valley founders, and everyday seekers along the way. In 2025, the searing-heat-then-ice-plunge cycle isn’t just detox; it’s a communal reset that’s rewriting how North America thinks about health, tech, and togetherness.

From secret glances in Nordic fishing villages to defiant dances on New York’s Christopher Street, the journeys of queer Scandinavians and Balts weave a century-long tapestry of exile, love, and liberation. Love Across Latitudes traces these migrations—through war, the AIDS crisis, and today’s Pride diplomacy—to reveal how Viking sailors, Baltic refugees, lesbian caregivers, and trans trailblazers reshaped both America’s queer capital and the homelands they left behind. Dive into an epic story of resilience that spans fjords, iron curtains, and rainbow-draped avenues.

On autumn nights in 1944, more than 70,000 Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians slipped into the Baltic’s cold darkness, steering overloaded fishing boats toward neutral Sweden as the Red Army returned. Eighty years later, their descendants gather on Gotland’s beaches and Tallinn Bay to honor the perilous voyage, preserve family stories, and reflect on how that flight still shapes Nordic culture and identity.

From 19th‑century immigrant weeklies to today’s digital platforms, Nordic and Baltic media in New York has constantly reinvented itself. This overview traces that evolution—and shows how The Northern Voices now leads the next chapter as a fully digital hub for Northern creativity.

As Europe pushes for digital sovereignty, many individuals and organizations seek alternatives to US-centric tech. A recent survey of European tech leaders called for reducing reliance on Silicon Valley giants. Privacy-first startups and open-source projects have flourished in response.

The Northern Voices is thrilled to announce Nordic/Baltic Talks, a brand‑new podcast series that serves as the perfect audio companion to our site. Each up-to-30‑minute episode distills our most‑read stories into a lively on‑the‑go format—combining headline rundowns, cultural spotlights, business briefs, tech trends, and creative‑industry insights, all delivered with the cross‑Atlantic perspective you expect from The Northern Voices. Think of it as a “portable newsroom” where concise reporting meets smart context and a dash of northern flair.

The Northern Voice has a first look at Valev Laube’s new single “Halo in Freefall,” a dreamy composition currently available as an early preview track on SoundCloud.