Blue, red and white Icelandic flag on a nice summer day

Icelandic Culture

Iceland's national day - 17th June

On the 17th of June every year Icelanders celebrate the Icelandic National Day but why? And how do we celebrate it?

By Leah BIlquistTue, 14 Jun 2022 • 6 min read

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The History
Let’s Celebrate

You’re in Iceland when “Sautjándi Júní" a song by "Dúmbó og Steini" is playing through the streets. The Icelandic people are cheering in a parade that is heading through Reykjavik. With their faces painted sky blue, fire red, and snow white. Helium balloons begin to fill the sky.

If this is the situation you are seeing, chances are it is Icelandic National Day!

Every year on June 17th the people of Iceland gather together to celebrate the freedom of their country and themselves. While Americans have the 4th of July and Canadians have Canada Day, Icelanders have Icelandic National Day. This is a national holiday for Iceland which means everyone is required to have the day off. A tradition that has been going strong since 1945. If that isn’t another reason to celebrate, I don’t know what it is. But there is so much more to the day than just time off from work. So let’s break down exactly why Icelandic National Day is important and how you can celebrate it this year.

The History

All the way back in 1262 Iceland became a part of the Norwegian crown and lost its independence. Then in 1380, Iceland became a Danish colony. So why is June 17th a significant date? Well, it was the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson who was a true mental warrior. He fought with all of his might for years to get freedom for Iceland and its people.

Then in 1944, it happened, Iceland broke away from Denmark and got its independence back. Jón lost his life on December 7, 1879, well before he was able to see it for himself. This is why he is honored every year on June 17th in Iceland. The first celebration happened back in 1944 in Þingvellir and since then it has all been history.

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So who is the infamous Jón Sigurðssonn?

Well, he was born in Iceland on Hrafnseyri in the Westfjords. He later moved to Copenhagen for his studies as a student. He loved science and studied classical philology, ancient history, political theory, and economics. However, he never finished his studies and ended up leaving Copenhagen twelve years later.

He then became a member of parliament from 1845 to 1879 and mostly stayed in Iceland during that time. Jón was the speaker and president of the parliament, Which made him the number one candidate to lead the fight for the freedom of Iceland. If it wasn’t for Jón advocating for the country, who knows what could have happened. That is why June 17th is important. It is the time to honor the man that did not give up on his belief that Iceland should be free of Denmark.

He ended up changing the minds of so many people in the process. There was a 98% vote that favored Iceland gaining its freedom back, a huge turnout. You may also recognize Jón Sigurðssonn, as he is the face on the 500 krona bill.

Let’s Celebrate

Getting ready for Icelandic Day is really fun! First, you need to pick out your outfit. Some of the locals love to dress up and wear the “national costume”. Most of these costumes were designed in the 19th century while others are more modern.

The different types are recognized as the following: Kyrtill, Skautbúningur, Faldbúningur, Peysuföt, and the Upphlutur. Over the years they have become very rare, mostly because they are passed down through family generations.

But, if you or someone you know has one laying around, get ready to suit up and hit the town. If you do not have a costume, it is still recommended to dress up and enjoy the events. The look is known to be bright and summery, so leave your black clothes at home on this day.