The Kingdom of Iceland became a republic in 1944, and June 17 was chosen because it was the birthday of Jon Sigurosson, a 19th-century leader of the campaign for Iceland's independence. 6 January is celebrated as the last day of Christmas. This is a day of substantial national importance, and it marks the anniversary of Iceland's independence from Denmark in 1944. According to Icelandic folklore cows gain the power of speech for the night, and seals can take a human form. Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? Families will often plan Easter Egg hunts and children are challenged to find their chocolatey reward. Thorri, or Þorri as we call it, is the personification of winter and frost in Norse mythology, and Icelanders celebrate it with a festival called Thorrablot. The 'Second (day) of Christmas' (annar í jólum) is also a public holiday, and it is savoured in a very similar fashion to Christmas Day. Are you considering visiting during one of these public holidays? As with Good Friday, Easter Sunday is officially mandated as a day of solemn Christian observance, although in reality there is a lot more merriment to be had than there is prescribed by law. Religious Icelanders will go to church and some may engage with the age-old custom of snuffing an Easter candle to symbolise Jesus' holy departure from Earth. The Icelandic language day is celebrated on 16 November, the birthday of 19th-century writer Jónas Hallgrímsson, to symbolise the importance of protecting the Icelandic language. The origin of these Santas is centuries old, and each has a name, character, and role. (Even the Danish!). November 16, 2010. Add to Basket. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Öskudagur It is not an official holiday. It is recommended that you book tables in advance. You can hear the rumble and squeals of fireworks throughout the evening but silence descends promptly at 22:30 as the Áramótaskaup (or 'skaupið') begins, a comedy sketch show that comments upon the year's events. Many of the festivities are related to ancient Norse traditions, while others tie in to the Christian calendar, even though nowadays most Icelanders celebrate these events in a secular way. As in countries the world over, May Day in Iceland is a day for general protest. Traditional foods, conserved in the traditional manner, are consumed and most Icelanders attend at least one Thorrablót feast, where there is much merriment and drink. Commerce Day falls on the first Monday of August and it has been observed in Iceland since 1894. During the summertime, Icelandic sheep are left to graze freely in the mountains and valleys, but in September the farmers go out on their horses, accompanied by their sheep dogs to find them and bring them home. Swathes of people flock to the Downtown area to watch the parade and outdoor concerts, admire vintage cars gathered by Harpa Concert Hall and buy helium balloons for their children. We would love to hear your stories and explanations. Biblically, it marks the day that the Holy Spirit was revealed to the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. Laugardalslaug is usually open from 12-18:00 on the 1st of January, and there are not many better ways to settle into the new year than soaking in a geothermally heated pool. It is so safe … Although the weather in April is typically far from summery, the days are becoming longer, and the locals are enthusiastic to put winter behind them. Konudagur When does the midnight sun take place in Iceland? Celebrate New Years like a true Icelander and join a bonfire and firework tour as well as a slap-up meal in one of Reykjavík's top restaurants here. The Easter season is punctuated with many grand parties to celebrate this initiation to adulthood and friends and family attend with lavish presents in tow. As soon as Áramótaskaup finishes, the real fireworks show begins with the bulk of explosives peak in the half an hour after Midnight. Another free day for schools and offices, Easter Monday does not entail the same religious militancy as Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Make sure to leave your thoughts and queries in the Facebook comments box below. While the majority of the traditional ways to celebrate a birthday (e.g. Yes, despite seemingly promoting piety on paper, the long Easter weekend can, in reality, be quite a boozy holiday. Th… Across the country, workplaces are closed, and people partake in festivities to celebrate; the largest party, however, is in Reykjavík. Ham, smoked lamb and ptarmigan – these 3 main meat dishes are by far the most common and popular Christmas cuisines that every Icelander will eat on Christmas Eve. 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