Icelandic National Day - June 17

Coat of Arms of Iceland

Iceland celebrates June 17th as their National Day each year commeorating when, in 1944 the island disolved it's union with Denmark. In 1918, the Act of Union allowed for a revision of the relationship between the two areas in 1940 and then three years later the union could be disolved. Due to World War II and the country of Denmark being occupied at the time there was no resistance from there to Iceland's actions but the forces that occupied the country at the time requested that they still wait the three years which they did. King Christian X of Denmark sent a letter congratulating Iceland of forming their republic on June 17th.

Jon Sigurdsson

June 17th was also chosen for the day as it is the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, who is credited as being one of the major voices in independence of the region.

Today the country celebrates with parades lead by marching bands and scouts as flag bearers and major figures give speeches. After the official celebrations then parties start with bands playing and people just enjoying themselves.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_National_Day

Other: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=335662

http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/annualeventstraditions/f/independdayice.htm

http://blog.birkiland.com/post/38734520/today-is-the-icelandic-national-day