Today is Icelandic Independence Day, a day off work and school, a day of partying in the streets and a day for unashamed flag waving.

Iceland declared independence from Denmark on 17th June 1944, while Iceland was occupied by Allied forces, and Denmark by the Nazis.

The nation had overwhelmingly voted for independence, and the date 17th June was chosen for the official declaration as it is the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, a key figure of the 19th century independence movement.

The day begins with parades of brass bands, flag-bearing boy scouts and girl guides and police in dress uniforms. In Reykjavik, the prime minister gives a speech in Parliament Square, which is broadcast to the nation.

The speeches are followed by a poem from the “Lady of the Mountains” (a young woman portraying the female incarnation of Iceland), dressed in the most splendid national costume. The ceremony ends with the choir singing the national anthem.

The rest of the day is an informal celebration, consisting of any or all of the following: open-air music, shopping, beer, candy, street theatre and fairground rides, among others. Unfortunately the day’s celebrations are not rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display, as in the month of June it does not get dark in Iceland.

The fireworks will come on Culture Night in August – but in the meantime, Happy Independence Day, wherever you are!

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