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Get ready to celebrate Iceland's Independence Day on June 17! This day marks the country's independence from Denmark in 1944 and is a major national holiday. It's a time for Icelanders to come together and celebrate their rich history, culture, and traditions. From colorful parades to lively street festivals, there are plenty of ways to join in on the festivities and experience the vibrant spirit of this beautiful country. So grab your Icelandic flag and get ready for a day filled with joy, pride, and patriotism!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationhood Seed Planted</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the late 1800s, nationalistic ideals began to rise in Iceland, laying groundwork for the independence movement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sovereign State Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Iceland becomes a sovereign state in personal union with Denmark, officially known as the Act of Union agreement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World War II Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War II, British forces occupy Iceland after Denmark falls to Germany, drastically altering Iceland's relationship with Denmark.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Referendum & Republic Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the midst of WWII, Icelanders voted in a referendum to sever ties with Denmark and became a republic on June 17, this is the day that Independence Day is celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year on June 17, Icelanders across the world celebrate their independence with parades, festivals, firework shows, and various other public events.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the most traditional ways to celebrate Iceland Independence Day is by attending a parade. Watch as locals march through the streets in traditional Icelandic attire and cheer on their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an Icelandic feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and prepare an authentic Icelandic feast. Serve dishes like smoked lamb, pickled herring, and skyr for a delicious and cultural celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in Iceland have fireworks displays on Independence Day. Find out where the closest one is and enjoy a beautiful show of lights in honor of the country's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Icelandic culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about Icelandic culture and history on Independence Day. Visit a museum, read a book, or watch a documentary to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear Icelandic colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Iceland by wearing the colors of the flag - blue, white, and red. This is a simple and easy way to celebrate Independence Day and show your love for the country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Iceland Independence Day is a time to remember and honor the country's independence from Denmark in 1944. It's a day to celebrate the freedom and sovereignty of the Icelandic people, and to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices that were made to achieve it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day of national pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Icelanders are known for their strong sense of national identity and pride, and Independence Day is the perfect occasion to showcase this. From parades and concerts to traditional Icelandic food and drinks, the entire country comes together to celebrate their heritage and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day for fun and festivities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day in Iceland is filled with lively celebrations, including street parties, concerts, and fireworks displays. It's a time for friends and family to come together, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and have a great time. Plus, the beautiful summer weather in Iceland makes it the perfect setting for outdoor activities and events.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day Coincides with the Birth Date of Jón Sigurðsson</h3><p class='facts-content'>Iceland's Independence Day coincides with the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a national hero known for his efforts in leading the country toward independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Iceland's Flag Was Officially Adopted on June 17, 1944</h3><p class='facts-content'>The national flag of Iceland, which features blue and white colors with a red cross, was officially adopted on the very same day the country gained its independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"þjóðhatiðardagurinn" is the Icelandic Term for Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Icelandic language, Independence Day is referred to as "þjóðhatiðardagurinn" which translates literally to "the day of the nation's celebration".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Woman President in the World was Elected in Iceland on Independence Day 1980</h3><p class='facts-content'>On June 17, 1980, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the first democratically elected female president in the world, marking another milestone for the country on its Independence Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Sovereignty Day is also Celebrated as a Prelude to Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>December 1st, known in Iceland as "Sovereign Day", commemorates the signing of the Act of Union with Denmark in 1918, and is seen as a precursor to full independence.</p></div></div>
Iceland Independence Day is celebrated on June 17th every year. In 2024, Iceland Independence Day falls on a Monday.
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