Overview of Icelandic Holidays and Celebrations
Iceland is a unique country with its own set of holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Some Icelandic holidays have origins in ancient Norse traditions, while others are shared celebrations common across Europe and beyond. Holidays in Iceland provide insight into the history, culture, and values of this North Atlantic island nation.
Major Icelandic holidays include New Year’s Day, Easter, First Day of Summer, Commerce Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Additionally, Icelanders celebrate other international events like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day much like the rest of the Western world.
Below is more detail on some of the most noteworthy Icelandic holidays and the traditions associated with these important days in Iceland.
Ancient and Traditional Icelandic Holidays
Iceland has held onto some historical holidays and celebrations that provide a window into old Norse traditions. These meaningful Icelandic celebrations connect modern inhabitants of the island to their Viking past.
First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti)
The First Day of Summer occurs on the first Thursday after April 18th each year. This holiday marks the end of the dark winter days and the beginning of summer’s midnight sun.
Traditional celebrations involve singing, dancing, feasting, and lighting bonfires. Icelandic children give their mothers flowers and spend time outside enjoying the increasingly long days. Celebrations often last all day and night. This beloved holiday reminds Icelanders of the brighter days ahead after long, cold winters.
Sjómannadagurinn (Sailor’s Day)
Observed on the first weekend of June, Sailor’s Day honors the brave Icelandic seamen who once traversed the harsh northern oceans. People flock to ReykjavÃk’s old harbor and marinas to see ships decorated with flags and to watch boat races. Celebrations also occur in fishing towns around Iceland.
The holiday has its origins in the dangerous reality of life at sea historically in Iceland. It emerged to recognize those who risked their lives hunting and fishing to sustain the island’s population. Icelanders celebrate present-day seamen while also commemorating the sacrifices of sailors throughout history.
Jónsmessa (St. John’s Eve)
According to folklore, the eve before the feast of Saint John the Baptist is a magical night when elves, trolls, and mystical creatures roam Iceland. Jónsmessa takes place on June 23rd each year.
Modern celebrations involve bonfires, fireworks, song, and dance. Brave Icelanders stay up all night hoping to encounter magical beings. Parents often keep their children indoors to prevent them from being swept away to a magical world of elves.
The origins of these beliefs trace back to old Norse traditions and folk tales. Icelanders continue passing down stories of this enchanted evening to future generations.
Religious Holidays
While Icelanders are not an overly religious people today, holidays like Christmas and Easter remain an important part of the culture. These Christian celebrations blended with Iceland’s Viking history and natural landscape to create unique local traditions.
Páskar (Easter)
Easter continues to be one of the biggest holidays in Iceland. Traditions include family gatherings, the giving of chocolate eggs, and small gifts to children. Icelanders enjoy an extended Easter break with schools and businesses closed from Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday.
On Good Friday, people eat salt fish and unleavened bread. Churches fill on Easter Sunday for the lighting of candles to represent the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some more religious Icelanders continue fasting for all of Lent leading up to Easter.
After the long winter, Easter provides a welcomed extended break to spend time with family and look forward to spring.
Jól (Christmas)
The Christmas season remains an important holiday for Icelandic families. Preparations begin long in advance. Many households participate in thorough cleaning and decorating. Traditional holiday cuisine often consists of smoked lamb, ptarmigan, and turkey.
On Þorláksmessa (St. Thorlak’s Mass) December 23rd, Icelanders enjoy skata, fermented skate, as part of the Christmas meal. They exchange books and chocolate on Christmas Eve before attending midnight mass. Families then gather to open presents on Christmas morning and enjoy large festive meals.
December 26th is known as annar à jólum (the second day of Christmas) and involves more family gatherings and meals. The whole Christmas period provides a time to enjoy Icelandic Christmas beer, cozy up by the fireplace, and spend quality time with loved ones before entering the long winter months.
National and Patriotic Holidays
Icelanders celebrate several holidays focused on national pride, independence, and culture. These patriotic holidays highlight Icelandic identity and self-governance going back over 70 years.
ÞjóðhátÃðardagurinn (Icelandic National Day)
Observed on June 17th each year, Iceland’s national day commemorates the founding of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. After centuries of foreign rule, Iceland formally became an independent republic.
The date pays tribute to June 17th, 1874 when Denmark granted Iceland a constitution and limited home rule. Celebrations feature parades, speeches, concerts, and general merriment while honoring Iceland’s national identity.
FrÃdagur verslunarmanna (Commerce Day)
On the first Monday in August, Icelandic shops and businesses close their doors in observance of Commerce Day. The banks remain open but workers enjoy a paid day off.
The modern holiday emerged after shops won the right to a summer holiday starting in 1855. It later shifted to an official paid day off before the winter shopping season begins. Icelandic families often use the long weekend to travel domestically.
Shared International Holidays
In addition to native Icelandic holidays, the country also celebrates international events like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. These Western holidays are mixed in with the unique Icelandic celebrations that connect deeply to history and culture.
Nýársdagur (New Year’s Day)
Icelanders observe New Year’s Day with bonfires and fireworks much like other Western nations. The period between Christmas and New Year’s involves family gatherings, laughter, and reflections on the past year.
A distinctive tradition, however, involves burning torches to symbolically get rid of the old and welcome the new. As midnight approaches, bonfires rage while people sing traditional Icelandic songs. Then Icelanders come together to light candles and display local fireworks.
Gamlársdagur (New Year’s Eve)
On New Year’s Eve, Icelanders enjoy lavish meals and parties to celebrate the end of the year. At midnight, they toast the new year by drinking champagne or BrennivÃn – a signature Icelandic schnapps. They then head outside to watch spectacular fireworks light up the sky.
The following day, young Icelanders go downtown to pickup New Year’s presents and sing traditional songs. After hearty meals, people relax and prepare for the return to work and school.
Audiences Who Would Enjoy This Article
Many different audiences would find an article on Icelandic holidays interesting and informative:
- Travelers planning a visit to Iceland looking to better understand the culture.
- People with Icelandic heritage wanting to learn more about modern and historical celebrations.
- Anthropologists and sociologists examining Icelandic culture and traditions.
- Religious scholars interested in how Christianity blended with Iceland’s pagan past.
- Historians researching old Norse influences still seen in modern Iceland.
- Event planners looking to incorporate meaningful Icelandic elements.
This article aimed to provide an overview of major Icelandic holidays and the key audiences who would enjoy learning more about these important cultural celebrations. The article covered ancient Norse traditions still honored today as well as religious observances and patriotic holidays. These Icelandic celebrations connect residents to their history and values while also integrating outside influences over time.
