Narva's Europe Day concert defies Russian propaganda across the river
Narva marked Europe Day on May 9 with a large public concert on Town Hall Square. The celebrations included music, dance, and family activities across the city. Meanwhile, Russia staged a propaganda concert just across the Narva River on the same day. The event in Narva began with a performance by the Narva City Symphony Orchestra, joined by soloists Ott Lepland and Tanja Mihhailova. Local youth bands took the stage later, followed by NOÜP in the second half of the concert.
Beyond the music, visitors enjoyed dance performances, exhibitions, and an orienteering game. A family area and the Ida-Viru Future Fair offered activities for all ages. During the celebrations, Narva Museum displayed a banner calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'war criminal'. The museum’s director was later sentenced in absentia to 10 years in a Russian penal colony for the act. Across the river, Russia held its own concert, timed to coincide with Europe Day. The event was widely seen as a propaganda move aimed at the Estonian border city.
Narva’s Europe Day featured cultural events and public engagement despite tensions with Russia. The museum’s banner and the director’s subsequent sentencing highlighted ongoing political friction. The city’s celebrations, however, continued as planned with music, exhibitions, and community activities.
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