Jun 17, 2022
Iceland National Day 2022
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Iceland National Day, or Þjóðhátíðardagur Íslands in Icelandic. Europe’s westernmost country officially became a republic on this day in 1944 after Icelanders voted in favor of independence from Denmark.
June 17th is the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, an iconic leader and scholar in Icelandic history who led Iceland’s 19th century Independence movement. Each Icelandic National Day, one woman is selected to be the ‘Lady of the Mountain’ or Fjallkona. She serves as a symbol of Iceland’s fight for independence from Denmark, which was regarded as the “father” of their country. The ‘Lady of the Mountain’ dresses in the Icelandic national costume and leads a parade before reciting a poem at the statue of Jón Sigurðsson.
Each town commemorates the day in their own unique way. Common celebrations include traditional musical acts, speeches, and bouncy houses for children. Icelanders may eat national dishes like Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) or Hákarl (Fermented Shark). And of course, the blue, red and white Icelandic flag, featured in today’s artwork, flies high throughout the country.
Gleðilegan þjóðhátíðardag, Ísland!
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