Independence Day: June 17
Independence Day is a public holiday in Iceland.
People of Iceland have celebrated Independence Day on June 17 every year since 1944. This day was chosen for the birthday of its nineteenth-century leader, Jón Sigurðsson, who led the country during the movement for independence in Iceland.
History of National Day in Iceland
Beginning in the fourteenth century, Iceland was controlled by both Denmark and Finland, a time when both were united as one. When the territory split in 1814, Denmark kept Iceland as a protectorate. As weather conditions worsened for Iceland in the nineteenth century, many people fled the country to more comfortable climates.
On June 5, 1849, King Frederick VII signed into effect the Danish constitution, marking Denmark’s move to a constitutional monarchy. However, Icelanders resisted the new constitutional changes with Jón Sigurðsson leading the resistance movement. In the end, Iceland never adopted the Danish constitution.
After years of resistance, Iceland was granted its own constitution in 1874, and on December 1, 1918 an Act of Union was signed by Denmark, allowing Iceland to become a sovereign state, however still under the Danish monarchy.
The Second World War brought instability to Iceland. Denmark was occupied by Germany in 1940 which caused the Icelandic government to set up its own system to deal with matters normally handled by the Danish. The country became occupied by both British and U.S. soldiers much to Iceland’s discontent. It wasn’t until the Act of Union with Denmark expired on December 31, 1943 that Iceland could make real headway in its attempts to become independent.
In May of 1944, Icelanders overwhelmingly voted to become independent, and on June 17, 1944, Iceland officially gained its independence.
Iceland’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
The day is celebrated by the whole nation by displaying their cultural art forms of music and dance. The celebration also includes the recital of a poem by a traditionally-dressed woman. She represents the cultural heritage and the nature of the country. Live music performances are observed during the event and huge carnivals are conducted for the kids with balloons, kites, candies, and traditional dances.
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