Well the lack of posting over the last 24 or so hours can be put down to good old celebrations. For those of you that may be unaware, today is 17th June, or Icelandic Independence Day (you really should have known, we told you over a week ago).

The day’s events kicked off ceremoniously as the formal portion of the proceedings took place in Austurvöllur, the central square in Reykjavík. Flags were held by scouts and the national anthem was sung as the President Ólafur Grímsson and Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir took their seats. The PM then delivered quite a lengthy speech, in which she expressed optimism about the future and reassured Icelanders that the country “is on the right track”. She also spoke about the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, and how it has reminded Icelanders that they are part of a wider world.

After the PM’s speech was delivered, the traditionally-dressed Fjallkona (Mountain Woman) took to the stage and delivered a short poem in Icelandic, as is tradition.

Later on in the day, the parade began down Laugarvegur, in main street through central Reykjavík, beginning at the bus terminal Hlemmur. The procession was lead by a marching brass band and more flag-toting scouts, followed up by members of the public and unusual street performers, who you can see in the pictures below.

The partying is continuing well on into the evening, with events scheduled in Arnarhóll, Ingólfstorg, Austurvöllur and in the town hall. There will be music-related events this evening, with a concert in Arnarhóll and dance games in Ingólfstorg.


A woman gets patriotic in Austurvöllur waiting for proceedings to begin.


President Ólafur Grímsson walks out through the square to his seat.



Scouts proceed around the square with Icelandic flags.



One Italian restaurant gets balloon-happy in the form of the Icelandic flag.

Labels: Festivals