Sunday, 1 June - As part of the celebrations and events related to the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, today starts the month dedicated to Eesti Pank.

During the month of Eesti Pank, the central bank will issue a new, specially designed 1-kroon circulation coin, which will be launched on 6 June at a public art and music party "PangaÖö" (The Bank's Night) held on the roof of the Viru Keskus.

Everyone is also welcome to the exhibitions introducing our monetary reforms and art displayed in Eesti Pank and the Museum of Eesti Pank. In addition, there will be guided tours of Eesti Pank starting at 13.00 every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

During the month of Eesti Pank, different musical and cultural events will take place in other regions of Estonia as well. On 7 June, the first punk song festival will be held in Rakvere. In several places, e.g., Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Viljandi, Haapsalu, Häädemeeste, Keila-Joa and Vastseliina, it is possible to attend concerts from the series "Kutse sünnipäevale" (A Birthday Invitation) dedicated to the anniversary of the republic. Moreover, Eesti Pank's travelling exhibition "The Estonian Money from the Mark to the Euro" keeps visiting different places in Estonia during June and the rest of the year.

One of the grandest anniversary year events in the theatre world is the joint summer project of Estonia's theatres called "Tagasi Vargamäele" (Back to Vargamäe) which also starts in June. In the course of the project, the entire Tammsaare's "Tõde ja õigus" (Truth and Justice) series will be performed before Midsummer Day. Then follows the Victory Day parade, which takes place in Pirita Road, Tallinn. The Victory Day bonfire will be sent from Tallinn to all the counties.

Dedicated to the month of Eesti Pank, a new sequel to the popular cartoon "Leiutajateküla" (Inventors Village) was prepared. The sequel is about a bank in the village, where there is neither money nor shops, since the villagers invent or grow everything themselves. The short cartoon can be viewed at www.eesti90.ee/?lang=en.

The purpose of the anniversary year celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia is to raise respect among our citizens for our country and encourage all the inhabitants of Estonia to rejoice in the independent state and carry it forward. The anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia lasts until 28 November 2008. The self-initiative of all inhabitants of Estonia in celebrating the country we have built together is highly appreciated.