In the evening of 22nd of February 2019, the Baltic Defence College (BATDEFCOL) conducted its traditional “Baltic Defence College International Night” event to promote cultures and customs of the nations represented at the College. This was already the 14th time the BALTDEFCOL staff and students together with their friends and families and invited official guests celebrated this wonderful event.

First organised in 2005 as “Baltic Night” with the aim of familiarising the international staff members and students of the College with the history and traditions, cuisine and culture of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the International Night has grown and evolved with time. This year, 18 nations represented at the College were introducing their country.

Major General Andis Dilāns, Commandant of BALTDEFCOL opened the event and welcomed everyone to an evening full of cultural interactions, delicious food and entertainment. Each country presented a table of national food, drinks and promotional materials. The programme of the event offered an interesting variety of presentations and performances all evening long, including Estonian stand-up comedy, folk dances by Latvian national dancers, German National performance and music by Lithuanian Army Band. In addition, a science theatre performed by the scientists of AHHAA Science Centre took place in Von Sydow Hall entertaining both, children and grown-ups with various scientific experiments.

A traditional fundraiser was also conducted during this year’s International Night. With the initiative and lead of BALTSPOUSES - an informal group of spouses of BALTDEFCOL staff and students, the guests made generous donations in support of Tartu Christian Adolescent Home.

It is those amazing evenings that vividly demonstrate the cultural diversity present at the Baltic Defence College. Besides offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture, customs and cuisine of various nations, International Night also fosters internal teamwork and supports external networking with partners and friends.

More photos of the event: /?id=1229