Google Doodle Honours Iceland National Day 2024

Every year on June 17, Icelanders celebrate an important day in their history – National Day, also known as Þjóðhátíðardagur Íslands in Icelandic. This year, Google has joined the celebrations and launched a special doodle to mark the occasion. Google Doodle mentions: “Today’s doodle celebrates Iceland’s National Day. On this day in 1944, 96% of the people voted in favor of a new constitution, officially transforming Iceland into a republic. The holiday also commemorates the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of the 19th century Icelandic independence movement. On June 17, people traditionally lay wreaths and flowers on his grave.”

Source: Google Doodle

What is the history of Iceland’s National Day?

The doodle commemorates two important events that occurred on June 17. First, it was the day Iceland officially became a republic, gaining full independence from Denmark, in 1944. Second, it was the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a respected Icelandic political leader who played a key role in the country’s independence movement.

The Google Doodle celebrates Iceland’s National Day with the bright colors of the Icelandic flag (blue, red and white).

How to celebrate Iceland’s National Day?

Iceland celebrates its National Day with great fanfare, and towns and villages hold unique festivities, often with parades featuring friendly Icelandic horses and lively brass bands.

People proudly wear the colors of the flag, and large crowds gather in the capital, Reykjavík, around the Parliament building, next to which stands a towering statue of Jón Sigurðsson. Traditional music performances and speeches by government officials are common, while many enjoy sampling national delicacies such as hákarl (fermented shark) or skyr (Icelandic yogurt).

Google Doodle mentions: “There are many joyful celebrations throughout the country, with parades, dancing, live music and Icelandic flag painting. If there is not much rain, people celebrate outdoors, with vendors selling hot dogs and cotton candy to festival-goers. Children eat candy and grab balloons while listening to moving speeches and lively concerts.”

“Many people wear traditional costumes, including Fjallkona (the mountain goddess), who leads a parade through Reykjavík and recites a poem commemorating the country’s independence.” It added.

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