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National Day of Iceland
Icelandic scouts walk down Suðurgata from Austurvöllur towards Jón Sigurðsson’s gravestone in Hólavellir cemetery
National Day of Iceland 17 th June
On 17 th June, 1944, the whole of Iceland was alive with celebrations. It was the country’s independence from Danish rule on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, (18111879), the hero who, though he would never experience it, had fought tirelessly and peacefully for this day, while other countries had violent revolutions. The day is marked by prayers, parades, performers, pageant and parties. It’s a family day to reunite out in the mild summer weather over barbecues and games. Now the country is free to follow its own choices.
President of Iceland Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir walk from Alþingi to Austurvöllur during the day’s celebrations.
Actress Hanna María Karlsdóttir was the Mountain Woman (Fjallkonan) this year.
Brass band of Reykjavík play national songs on Austurvöllur Street artists entertain people on corner of Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
Circus in Hljómskálagarður Park
