Many of us might have wondered, what makes Iceland one of the happiest places on Earth to live. According to World Happiness Report, Iceland is always rated on the top 10 of the happiest countries in the world. We think one of the factors that make them very happy is the privilege of public holidays. An average person would have about 25 days of summer vacation, excluding weekends.
Here is an example of how many days off the average person in Iceland gets:
|
Total weekend days |
Public Holidays |
Summer Vacation |
Total |
105 days |
15 days |
25 days |
145 days
|
Imagine if all of us would have 145 days a year on vocation. Though, by saying that we don’t mean that Iceland is a lazy nation, the amazing thing is that the country can still maintain its development and prosperous pattern.
Anyway, this post is about a bit different topic – Icelandic holiday days. Here you will find a list of the dates that are most important for Iceland and its’ people.
Iceland Public Holidays
Maundy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter Sunday
This day is also known as Holy Thursday or Good Thursday; Maundy holiday has been celebrated in several countries since the earliest days of the Christian Church. In Iceland, it has the name “Skírdagur“, and they believe it has the roots since the 12th century.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday
We call it “Föstudagurinn Langi,” it means the last Friday before Easter. It is a Christian religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.
Easter Monday
“Páskar” is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It has the same meaning as in the rest of Christian nations. Nowadays, it becomes a big day for “Páska Egg” consumption. Icelanders have the custom to buy a chocolate egg to give to your friends or relatives.
First day of Summer
The official summer day in Iceland, it sounds amazing, right? No, even though it is considered the first summer day here, but the weather is still freezing. It would drop down to -1°C/ 30 Fahrenheit. So, don’t be fooled with this day, make sure you carry enough of warm clothes while traveling in Iceland.
May 1st: International Worker’s Day
It is the public holiday almost everywhere in the world, where people celebrate International Worker’s Day.
Ascension Day – 40 days after Easter
“Uppstigningardagur,” it is also known as the Holy Thursday, commemorating the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven.
May 8th: Mother´s Day, it is the second Sunday in May, but not a public holiday, though.
It is simply a day we all honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. It is the International Mother’s Day; it was first celebrated in the United States in 1907. Despite the fact that is a big day for all mothers in the world, it is not a free day yet in Iceland. However, young generations are used to do something nice to their mom, such as buying flowers.
Pentecost
“Hvítasunnudagur,” it refers to the entire fifty days between Easter and Pentecost.
Whit Monday, 7th Monday after Easter, it is also known as Pentecost Monday
“Annar í hvítasunnu” it is also a public holiday.
June 17th, the Independence Day, Iceland got independence from Denmark in 1944
The Icelandic National Day “Þjóðhátíðardagurinn”, the day we commemorate the foundation of the Republic of Iceland on 17th June 1944. The day marked the independence from Danish rule. Today, we celebrate this holiday on a national scale, wherever you stay in Iceland, you will see a big celebration. In general, it takes the form of a parade through the town. If you happen to be here on that special day in Reykjavik, you will witness big crowds of people walking on the street and many activities coming along. It is a happy day for everybody.
Commerce Day, it is also the first Monday in August
“Verslunarmannahelgi” it is one of the biggest travel weekends for Icelanders. It highlights with the big festival on the Westman Islands “Vestmanaeyja,” which we know as “þjóðhátíð í Vestmannaeyjum.” It could be a weekend that people consume most of the alcohol. It will be many events around the country, and you can check one of them out. Note, if you plan on going to the Westman Islands that weekend, make sure to have with you a tent, food, and ferry tickets. For further information about the festival, check Þjóðhátíð.
Father’s day, usually it happens on the second Sunday in November, it is not a Public Holiday
It is a similar day to the Mother’s day. Father’s day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the contribution of the father. It is not a public holiday.
December 24th, Christmas Eve
I guess everybody knows about this day, the only thing that you need to have in mind if you stay in Iceland during this period. Make sure you have enough of grocery, almost the shops and restaurants are shut down on this day. Wondering what restaurants will be open? Check our Christmas restaurant list.
December 25th, Christmas Day
On this day people tend to stay at home with family and relatives. Watch movies, read books, play board games, and cook food together. Some people spend time at their sumarhús (e. summer house) that are used all year round to escape from city life.
December 26th, St Stephens Day
On this day most of the grocery stores open, while other businesses stay closed until the next day.
New Year’s Eve
Icelanders like to celebrate the upcoming year with a style. It usually starts with dinner around 6-8 pm, follows with a bonfire ritual, and a great firework show at midnight.
Since the fireworks are sold publicly, it means that anyone can buy them. And when Icelanders buy fireworks – they buy an enormous amount of it. The outcome of this craze is a beautiful show in the sky that lasts for a good 15-30min.
