Icelandic Events: Independence Day

Posted by David Whitley May 25, 2007

There seems to be a common theme when it comes to Scandinavian festivals. Basically what appears to happen is that a day or two are set aside to celebrate a vaguely important historic event from the dim and distant past, a few events are set up in honour of it, and then everyone does a lot of drinking.

And it appears as though the Icelanders are no different from the Swedes, Norwegians and Danes. Their Independence Day celebration follows much the same format, and thus it makes June 17th an excellent time to go and visit Reykjavik.

The Icelandic capital is the main focus of events on Independence Day, which dates back to 1944. Up until then, Iceland had been rule by Denmark for 700 years, and shaking off the Danish shackles was a momentous occasion.

These days it’s not quite as important to Iceland, but it’s still a great excuse for a fantastic party. It starts off with parades, largely of children in bright traditional clothing, and the Icelandic flag can be seen draped over just about everything.

Later on, the action moves to the hot pools, where Reykjavik locals and tourists alike strip down to their swimming costumes and splash around.

Of course, the real action comes later in the evening when Reykjavik’s pubs and bars become crammed with revellers, sinking beer after beer in honour of their country’s independence. After a few beers, the local spirit known as brennevin comes out. This rather potent brew is enough to induce drunkenness in even the most hardened drinker. And that, of course, is the whole point.