Icelandic Holidays and Feasts
Public Holidays in Iceland
All offices and most shops are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on the following days:
1 January, New Year's Day;
Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter Sunday);
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday);
Easter Monday (Monday following Easter Sunday);
First Day of Summer (a Thursday during the period 19 to 25 April);
1 May, Labour Day;
Ascension Day (Holy Thursday, six weeks after Maundy Thursday);
Whit Monday (Monday following Whit Sunday, seven weeks after Easter);
17 June, National Day (proclamation of the Republic in 1944, birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, 1811-1879);
Trademen's Day (first Monday in August);
24 December, Christmas Eve (afternoon only);
25 December, Christmas Day;
26 December, Boxing Day (second day of Christmas);
31 December, New Year's Eve (afternoon only).
Holiday dates falling on a Saturday or Sunday will not be taken on the following Monday.
=>> More on Christmas in Iceland.
Þorrablót (February) - A month-long festivity, taking places in homes and restaurants. Traditional Viking foods are consumed.
Bolludagur or "Bun Day" – The day two days before Lent is known as Bolludagur or "Bun Day". Homes, restaurants and particular bakeries, overflow with delicately made cream puffs or "buns".
Sprengidagur or " Bursting Day" - On Shrove Tuesday (the day before Lent) every Icelandic home and most restaurants flood with the aroma of salted meat and peas. The name Sprengidagur refers to the idea that the individual feasts on this hearty dish to the point of bursting.
Öskudagur or Ash Wednesday - Ash Wednesday is celebrated in Iceland with a unique custom that is very entertaining for children. Ashes are collected into small bags known as "Öskupokar" or Ash Bags. As a prank, these bags are secretly pinned onto people's clothing. The day is also marked with children singing and parading around the streets and shops, begging for treats.
Beer Day - This celebrated event began on March 1st, 1989 when a 75- year-long prohibition of beer was lifted.
Beer & Food Festival (March) - This week long festival of special promotions at restaurants and bars brings to light achievements of chefs and brew masters, as well as manufacturers of Icelandic gourmet products such as caviar, shrimp, lamb and cheese.
Trout Fishing Season (April 1 - September 20) - Anglers from all over the world have long sought out the unusually fresh lakes and rivers of Iceland. Fishing permits may be purchased at short notice in numerous rivers and lakes.
Easter - Children and even grown-ups are given a treat in the form of chocolate Easter eggs.
First Day of Summer - In the old days, the Icelanders divided the year into only two seasons, winter and summer. After the long winter they still celebrate this first day of "summer" with parades, sporting events and organized entertainment, held in various places around Iceland.
Sjómannadagur or Seamen's Day (June) - This holiday is marked by festivities such as parades, rowing and swimming races, tugs of war, and sometimes sea rescue competitions.
Icelandic Republic Day (June 17th) - In 1944 the Kingdom of Iceland was declared a republic. June 17th was chosen as the official holiday because it was the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, who is regarded as Iceland's leader in the campaign for independence in the 19th century. The greatest celebrations are held in Reykjavík with parades, street theatres, sideshows and dancing, but throughout the country the day is filled with picnics and various organized festivities as well.
Verslunarmannahelgi or Labour Day Weekend. - During the first weekend in August, Icelanders by the thousands take to their cars and head out of town to camp in the wilderness or join in one of the many organized events that are held throughout the country. These range from family-style gatherings to outdoor rock festivals.
Reykjavík Cultural Night (August) - On this enchanted evening museums, galleries, churches, cafes, restaurants, stores and other establishments in downtown Reykjavík stay open into the night and present a variety of exhibitions, concerts, performances, theatre and other cultural events. Choice selections of food and drink are served, and the evening is concluded with a firework display at the harbour Miðbakki.
Reykjavík Marathon (August) - This international/annual event involves thousands of participants from Iceland and abroad, who run the Marathon proper, half marathon, 10 km and fun run (3 km).
Independence Day (December 1st) - Although not a public holiday, many Icelanders celebrate independence day, in particular Icelanders abroad. Iceland became independent from Denmark on 1 December 1918.
