This event... it felt like I was getting married. That we were all getting married! One of the most exciting, joyous, emotional days of my life. The first day of the Laulupidu (there are technically 2 days of concerts with one day of rehearsal, if you don't include the Tantsupidu days), started off with tightening the vöö (the folk costume's elaborate wool belts), searching for water sources and taking countless photographs. Then, after a few media appearances, our choir finally got moving! The parade began! We were at the end of the long parade of thousands of people - singing and dancing participants from all around the globe! Seeing supporters along the sidewalks was a huge highlight for me, for all of us. We saw past presidents (with the current one at the event, see picture), strong little old ladies clapping for hours, to our friends and family, visiting from all over the world.