| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Twelfth Night | Observance |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Feb 22,2023 | Ash Wednesday | Observance |
| Thursday | Apr 06,2023 | Maundy Thursday | National holiday |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | National holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 20,2023 | First Day of Summer | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labour Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mothers' Day | Observance |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | National holiday |
| Saturday | Jun 17,2023 | Icelandic Republic Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Aug 07,2023 | Commerce Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Oct 31,2023 | Halloween | Observance |
| Sunday | Nov 12,2023 | Fathers' Day | Observance |
| Friday | Dec 01,2023 | Independence Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve (from noon) | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Second Day of Christmas | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve (from noon) | National holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Nýársdagur" in Icelandic, is a widely celebrated holiday in Iceland. It marks the beginning of the new year with joy and enthusiasm. Icelanders often gather with family and friends to welcome the year ahead. Fireworks light up the sky, and traditional Icelandic dishes like cured lamb and hangikjöt are enjoyed. The cultural importance lies in the renewal of hope and optimism, as people make resolutions for the year and look forward to new opportunities and adventures.
Twelfth Night, "Þrettándinn" in Icelandic, is celebrated on January 6th, marking the end of the Christmas season. It's a time to take down Christmas decorations and enjoy special foods like cream-filled pastries. In Icelandic folklore, it's believed that elves and hidden people move house on this night, adding a touch of magic to the holiday. Twelfth Night holds cultural importance as it combines Christian traditions with Iceland's unique folklore and superstitions.
Valentine's Day, "Valentínusardagur" in Icelandic, is a day for expressing love and affection to romantic partners and friends. People exchange cards, flowers, and gifts as tokens of love. It's a day to celebrate and strengthen relationships. While it's a global celebration, Icelanders embrace it with their unique charm, making it culturally significant as a day of love and connection.
Ash Wednesday, "Öskudagur" in Icelandic, marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. On this day, children dress up in costumes and go "ash walking," playfully swatting each other with small bags of ashes. It's a lighthearted and fun holiday that precedes the solemnity of Lent. Ash Wednesday holds cultural importance as a playful and unique Icelandic tradition.
Maundy Thursday, "Skírdagur" in Icelandic, is part of Holy Week leading up to Easter. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. In Iceland, it's a day for family gatherings and enjoying a special meal together. It reflects the country's Christian heritage and emphasizes the importance of family bonds and traditions.
Good Friday, "Föstudaginn langi" in Icelandic, is a solemn holiday that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Icelanders attend church services and participate in processions. The day encourages reflection and spiritual observance, highlighting the role of Christianity in Icelandic culture.
Holy Saturday, "Páskalördagur" in Icelandic, is the day before Easter Sunday. It's a time of anticipation and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Icelanders often engage in Easter egg decorating and other festive activities. Holy Saturday contributes to the rich tapestry of Easter traditions in Iceland.
Easter Sunday, "Páskadagur" in Icelandic, is a joyous occasion that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families gather for a special Easter meal, and children search for hidden eggs and gifts. It's a day of spiritual significance and togetherness, underlining the importance of Christian beliefs and family bonds in Icelandic culture.
Easter Monday, "Annar í páskum" in Icelandic, extends the Easter celebrations. It's a day for outdoor activities and spending time with loved ones. Many Icelanders take advantage of the spring weather to go on hikes or picnics. Easter Monday showcases the appreciation of nature and the changing seasons in Icelandic culture.
The First Day of Summer, "Sumardagurinn fyrsti" in Icelandic, doesn't necessarily coincide with the weather but is celebrated on the first Thursday after April 18th. It marks the transition from winter to summer. Icelanders participate in parades and enjoy festivities, even if snow still covers the ground. This holiday reflects Iceland's connection to nature and the changing seasons.
Labour Day, "Verkalýðsdagurinn" in Icelandic, is celebrated on May 1st and honors workers and their contributions. Parades, rallies, and speeches take place to promote workers' rights and fair labor practices. It emphasizes the importance of labor movements in Icelandic society and encourages solidarity among workers.
Mothers' Day, "Mæðradagurinn" in Icelandic, is a day to express love and appreciation for mothers and mother figures. People give flowers, cards, and gifts to their mothers and spend quality time together. It's a day to recognize the vital role of mothers in Icelandic families and society.
Ascension Day, "Uppstigningardagur" in Icelandic, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven. Many Icelanders attend church services and engage in religious observance. It underscores the Christian faith's significance in Icelandic culture and history.
Whit Sunday, "Hvítasunnudagur" in Icelandic, is part of Pentecost, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It's a day for church services and gatherings with family and friends. Whit Sunday reflects the country's Christian heritage and spiritual values.
Whit Monday, "Hvítasunnudagur" in Icelandic, is a continuation of Pentecost celebrations, providing another opportunity for spiritual reflection and community gatherings. It reinforces the importance of Christian traditions and togetherness in Icelandic culture.
Icelandic Republic Day, "Þjóðhátíðardagurinn" in Icelandic, celebrates the foundation of the Icelandic Republic in 1944. It's a national holiday with parades, concerts, and festivities. It holds immense cultural importance as a day of national pride and independence, commemorating Iceland's sovereignty.
Commerce Day, "Frídagur verslunarmanna" in Icelandic, is a day to honor the country's merchants and shopkeepers. Many stores offer discounts and special promotions. It's an occasion for shopping and enjoying leisure activities. Commerce Day showcases the role of commerce in Icelandic society and encourages economic activity.
Halloween, "Hrekkjavaka" in Icelandic, is a relatively new holiday in Iceland. It's a time for dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and enjoying spooky-themed events. While not traditionally Icelandic, it's embraced as a fun and creative holiday, bringing a touch of Halloween magic to the culture.
Fathers' Day, "Farsdagur" in Icelandic, is a day to honor and appreciate fathers and father figures. Families spend quality time together and give gifts to show their love and gratitude. It underscores the role of fathers in Icelandic families and society.
Independence Day, "Sjálfstæðisdagurinn" in Icelandic, celebrates Iceland's declaration of independence from Denmark in 1944. The day is marked by parades, concerts, and various festivities. It holds immense cultural importance as a symbol of Iceland's sovereignty and national identity.
Christmas Eve, "Aðfangadagur" in Icelandic, is a time for family gatherings and the main Christmas celebration in Iceland. It's a day of exchanging gifts, enjoying festive meals, and attending church services. It emphasizes the importance of family, tradition, and the spirit of giving in Icelandic culture.
Christmas Day, "Jóladagur" in Icelandic, is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations, focusing on family and relaxation. It's a day for unwinding and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Christmas Day reinforces the significance of family and cherished traditions in Icelandic culture.
The Second Day of Christmas, "Annar í jólum" in Icelandic, extends the Christmas festivities. It's a day for relaxation, outdoor activities, and spending time with loved ones. Many Icelanders go for walks or enjoy the winter scenery. The day reflects the appreciation of nature and the holiday season.
New Year's Eve, "Gamlársdagur" in Icelandic, is celebrated with fireworks and bonfires to bid farewell to the old year. People gather with friends and family for festive meals and watch the annual Áramótaskaup, a satirical comedy show. It's a day of reflection and anticipation, emphasizing the importance of traditions and looking ahead to the new year in Icelandic culture.
