On Saturday, people gathered at Freedom Square. The procession began with horse-drawn carriages and the Song Festival torch. The artistic director of the Song Festival, Heli Jürgenson, mentioned that there was a concert in the morning. "The concert was very beautiful. I cried with joy," said Jürgenson. She hopes that the audience will stay until the end.
The previous Song Festival leader, Pärt Uusberg, was calm this time. "I'm glad to be here. Heli organized a very beautiful festival," said Uusberg. About 45,000 people participated in the procession.
Tiia-Ester Loitme leads the girls' choir Ellerhein. She said that the procession is part of Estonian culture. People come to sing and greet each other.
The conductor of the boys' choirs, Lydia Rahula, said that the rain does not spoil the mood. "The rain changes the scenery, but people are happy," said Rahula. Spectators helped keep the marchers in good spirits.
The procession moved quickly. The rain or good pacekeepers helped with that. Everyone was happy and sang together.