Today is the ‘big day’ in Iceland as it celebrates its 65th birthday as a Republic. Before 1944, Iceland was a sovereign state under the control of the Danish King, but when Icelanders were given a vote in 1944 to decide their future they voted overwhelmingly to create the “Lythveldith Island” – the Republic of Iceland.
Icelanders are rightly proud of their culture and heritage, and today is the chance to celebrate the heroes of their independence movement, their cultural exports, and their incredible literary history embodied through the world-famous Icelandic sagas. Brass bands and musicians will today lead parades around Iceland’s major towns before children tuck into sweets and the adults enjoy a swig of Brennivin, Iceland’s rather pungent national drink.
Why not celebrate Iceland’s culture yourself with a trip to the ‘Land of Ice and Fire.’ Enjoy the traditional restaurants specialising in delicious fresh fish and lamb, explore the National Gallery, or simply marvel at the stunning scenery that served as a backdrop to the sagas.
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