Johann Voldemar Jannsen

Johann Voldemar Jannsen was a prominent Estonian writer and journalist, best known as the founder of the cultural movement that led to the establishment of the first Estonian Song Festival in 1869. His efforts to promote Estonian national identity and culture through music and literature have had a lasting impact on Estonian society. Jannsen's legacy continues to resonate, especially as the celebrations of the XXVIII laulu- ja XXI tantsupidu 'Iseoma' commenced with the lighting of the festival fire in Tartu.