On 17 June Iceland commemorates the birthday of national hero Jón Sigurdsson (1811-1879). National Independence Day starts off on a solemn and patriotic note, but by the afternoon the mood changes. Fun breaks out with street performances, theatre and fire-eaters.
Sigurdsson was the 19th-century leader of the peaceful movement which culminated, five years before his death, in Iceland winning partial autonomy from Denmark and a limited constitution (1874). Seventy years later Iceland got complete autonomy and became an independent republic in 1944.
This is the closest thing in the country to a carnival and is celebrated with parades, speeches, sport competitions, lots of outdoor entertainment and plenty of dancing. Each town and village celebrates in their own way, so it is advisable to check locally for details. This is such a popular date that it has been adopted for the annual celebration of Iceland's independent republican status.
This is the closest thing in the country to a carnival and is celebrated with parades, speeches, sport competitions, lots of outdoor entertainment and plenty of dancing. Each town and village celebrates in their own way, so it is advisable to check locally for details. This is such a popular date that it has been adopted for the annual celebration of Iceland's independent republican status.
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