Jun 17, 2024
Iceland National Day 2024
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Icelandic National Day. On this day in 1944, Iceland formally transitioned to a republic after 96% of the population voted in favor of adopting a new constitution. The holiday also commemorates the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a leader of the 19th-century Icelandic independence movement. It’s popular to lay wreaths and flowers on his grave on June 17th.
Many joyous celebrations like parades, dancing, live music, and Icelandic flag face painting take place across the country. People celebrate the holiday outdoors if it isn't too rainy, and vendors will sell hot dogs and cotton candy to festival-goers. Children can be found eating plenty of candy and holding onto balloons as they listen to moving speeches and lively concerts.
Many people dress in traditional clothing, including the Fjallkona (Lady of the Mountain). On the holiday, she leads a parade through Reykjavik and reads a poem commemorating the nation’s independence.
Gleðilegan þjóðhátíðardag, Ísland!
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