Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (Iceland)
Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, or the "first day of summer," is a significant public holiday in Iceland celebrated on the third Thursday in April. This event marks the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, a welcome change in the often harsh and cold climate of the island. The holiday has roots that trace back to the 16th century and is observed with various festivities, particularly in Reykjavik, where parades and carnival-like activities are held. The celebrations are family-friendly, focusing on entertaining children and fostering a sense of community among participants of all ages. During the parades, children and adults march together, symbolizing the unity of winter and summer, reflecting Iceland's deep respect for both its ancient traditions and modern society. As an official holiday, Sumardagurinn Fyrsti serves as an occasion for Icelanders to come together and celebrate the joys of the changing seasons while embracing their cultural heritage.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (Iceland)
Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (Iceland)
This is a movable event.
Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (first day of summer) is celebrated in Iceland on the third Thursday in April of every year. In 2001, the year used to determine the dates of movable events in this book, Sumardagurinn Fyrsti took place on April 19.
Iceland is a large island in the far north Atlantic. Over its long history it had been both a sovereign nation and a subject, first of Norway and then of Denmark, before gaining its independence in 1944. Today the Icelanders have built one of the world's most socially and economically advanced societies. The country has a population of nearly 300,000 people, most of whom are located in the capital of Reykjavik, which has more than 170,000 inhabitants.
While Iceland is a very modern nation, it still honors the ancient traditions. One of these is Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, a holiday celebrating the return of warmth and sunlight to the bleak, almost treeless land. On Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, in a tradition that goes back to the 16th century, celebrations are held in Reykjavik and elsewhere. Most of the activities are akin to carnivals, to entertain children, although some ritual is involved with parades that feature children and adults marching together to symbolize the unity of winter (older people) and summer (youngsters). Sumardagurinn Fyrsti is an official holiday in Iceland, and both young and old enjoy the entertainments of the day.