The Estonian Song Festival (Estonian: Eesti Üldlaulupidu, or simply laulupidu) held since 1869, is one of the largest choral events in the world, a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

[1] It is held every five years in July, and starting from 1928 always on the same designated site: the Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak) in Kadriorg, Tallinn.

For example, it was mandatory in all events to perform the state anthems of USSR and Estonian SSR, The Internationale, along with songs mandatorily glorifying the Soviet Communist Party and its leaders Lenin and Stalin.

[2] Because of the inclusion of children's and boys' choirs the total number of participants rose to 25,000 – 30,000 people.

Nearly 60,000 tickets were sold from the pre-sale for the XXVII song festival "Minu arm"("My love") concert, and together with the 35,000 singers and musicians participating, a situation had been reached where the pre-sale of tickets was suspended by the decision of the organizers for the safety and security of people.