Today, June 17, is Iceland’s 81st National Day. Many across the country will be celebrating with parades, public speeches, and family-friendly events.
Sometimes called Icelandic Independence Day, June 17 marks the foundation of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. It was when the country formally ended its union with Denmark following a public referendum.
Happy Birthday, Jón 
An engraving of Jón Sigurðsson / Credit: Public Domain.
National Day is held on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, the 19th-century leader of Iceland’s independence movement.
His image remains closely associated with the day. Many years, floral tributes are traditionally laid out at his statue in Reykjavík.
What happens on national day?
Although the scale of celebrations vary from year to year, the day remains one of the most important public holidays in the country.
Local councils typically organise events such as concerts, children’s entertainment, and appearances by the fjallkonan, or “Lady of the Mountain,” who recites poetry in national costume.
Who is the Woman of the Mountain? 
The Lady of the Mountain / Credit: Public Domain.
The Lady of the Mountain is a national symbol of Iceland; the female embodiment of a nation, just as Britannia is for Britain, Hibernia is for Ireland, Marianne of France, and Germania is for Germany.
Interestingly enough, the first mention of fjallkona is in a poem by Bjarni Thorarensen (1786–1841.)
Ancient Isafold,
beloved motherland,
The mountain woman is free!
You will be dear to your parents.
while countries gird their wounds
and the old man lusts after me,
bright sun on the hillside.
Iceland’s national day is typically viewed as a festive occasion. For others, it invites reflection on Iceland’s journey from its most ancient days, through colonial rule, to full independence. Undoubtedly, national identity, civic responsibility, and the values on which the republic was found, will be at the forefront of many people’s minds today.
As mentioned, National Day is a public holiday in Iceland, so travellers should expect that some government offices and many businesses will be closed.