What Are The Main Holidays In Iceland?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Public Holidays (2019)
  • New Year's Day.
  • Easter in Iceland.
  • Maundy Thursday.
  • Good Friday.
  • Easter Sunday.
  • Easter Monday.
  • First Day of Summer.

How many national holidays are there in Iceland?

Date
June 17
English name Icelandic National Day Local name Þjóðhátíðardagurinn Comment Flag day Commemorates the foundation of the republic. Typically referred to as “17. júní”.

What are traditions in Iceland?

Holidays in Iceland

On Men's Day, husbands and boyfriends are celebrated by giving them flowers or taking them out for dinner. As per Iceland culture and tradition, people have mid-winter feasts with traditional foods such as

dried fish

, fermented shark meat, and liver pudding during this month.

Where do Icelanders go on holiday?

Most holidays to Iceland start in

Reykjavík

, the world's northernmost capital, home to engaging museums and lively bars and cafés. Reykjavík is a good base for the Golden Circle – a famous itinerary that takes in cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers and the world's oldest parliament.

What holidays are only celebrated in Iceland?

  • Fyrsti Vetradagur – First Day of Winter. …
  • Jólabókaflóðið – The Christmas Book flood. …
  • Dagur Íslenskrar Tungu – Icelandic Language Day. …
  • Icelandic Sovereignty Day. …
  • The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads Come to Town. …
  • Þorláksmessa – St. …
  • Aðfangadagur – Christmas Eve & Jóla – Christmas.

What is the most famous holiday in Iceland?

Icelanders love to celebrate. In fact, nary a week goes by over the summer months when there isn't some festival or party going on to bring people out of their homes and into the streets for some fun. Arguably the most important day to celebrate is June17th,

Iceland's republic day

.

What religion is practiced in Iceland?

Religion: Most Icelanders (80%) are members of

the Lutheran State Church

. Another 5% are registered in other Christian denominations, including the Free Church of Iceland and the Roman Catholic Church. Almost 5% of people practice ásatrú, the traditional Norse religion. Economy: GDP = $34,91 billion (2017).

What is the traditional clothing in Iceland?

The one considered most traditional consists of

woolen breeches or trousers

, a usually double buttoned vest and a double buttoned jacket called treyja. Sometimes a peysa with a single row of buttons is used in lieu of the vest and treyja. On the head is a tail cap, though historically different hats were also used.

What is Whit Monday in Iceland?

Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is

a Christian

. It is the day after Pentecost, also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament of the Bible.

What is illegal in Iceland?

Not only is it

illegal to sell panties, boxers, thongs

, and jock straps with the Icelandic flag on them (that would be disrespectful), it is also illegal to sell or advertise items of foreign origin if the image of an Icelandic flag has been put on them (that would be unpatriotic).

How many kids do people in Iceland have?

There were

4,452 live births

in Iceland in 2019. The number of boys was 2,267 and the number of girls 2,185, i.e. 1,038 boys for every 1,000 girls. This is an increase in the number of births from the previous year when 4,228 children were born.

Are Icelanders friendly?


Icelanders aren't polite, but they are nice

. Here's the thing; we don't really have words or phrases for please, have a nice day or sir or madam. The politeness is instead expressed with a smile and the staff's helpfulness. The conversation might be direct, but it's not unpleasant.

What should you avoid in Iceland?

  • Don't Leave Your Coat at Home. …
  • Don't Underestimate the Weather. …
  • Don't Get Caught in the Dark (or Light) …
  • Avoid Buying Bottled Water in Stores. …
  • Avoid Shopping at 10-11.

What's bad about Iceland?

Iceland is outrageously expensive

What's more expensive? Food,

clothing

, fuel, personal care items, furniture. These things can easily be two to three times as expensive as US prices. If you've been to Iceland you know what I mean.

Are tourists allowed in Iceland?

Can you visit Iceland?

Yes

. All travelers – regardless of origin – are welcome to visit Iceland if they can show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID, or a certificate of previous COVID infection.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.