Cold Snap Threatens Independence Day Celebrations

A central part of Estonia's Independence Day celebrations, the traditional military parade on Tallinn's Freedom Square, may be canceled if the current bout of cold weather continues.

The nation's thermometers have dipped to as low as -30 degrees Celsius in recent days, however according to garrison regulations, parades are not held in temperatures lower than -12 degrees.

Defense Forces officials will make the final decision next week on whether to go ahead with the parade. Meanwhile practice for the February 24 ceremony is in full swing, rus.err.ee reported.

In the past, the military ceremony has been confined to Freedom Square itself, though plans for this year's parade include a march along one of the city's major streets in order to give more spectators a chance to see it.