Independence day – June 17th

Iceland’s independence day, often referred as the Icelandic National Day (“Þjóðhátíðardagurinn” in Icelandic), is celebrated at the 17th of June every year. That day, in 1944, the Republic of Iceland was formed. The date was chosen because it is the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a major figure of Icelandic culture and the leader of the 19th century Icelandic independence movement.

Today, Icelanders celebrate this holiday in style. The celebration are usually in the form of a down-town parade during daytime where various organized festivities are planned, with street theatres, sideshows, dancing and other performances from different artists.