With the rise of self-consciousness and improvement in economic conditions, the hitherto peasant nation — maarahvas ('people of the country') — became Estonians. The sense of unity was further strengthened by the foundation of numerous societies as well as the tradition of nation-wide song festivals in 1869.
	Tarvastu Mixed Choir (1879)
	Climbers' detachment of the Viljandi Voluntary Fire Fighting Brigade

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