Introduction to Iceland Public Holidays

This article introduces public holidays in Iceland and whether some companies are open during holidays. It also introduces special holidays in Iceland.

Iceland has more than 15 public holidays each year, some of which are religious holidays, while others are related to Icelandic folk traditions and history. Here are some of the main public holidays in Iceland:

New Year's Day (January 1): New Year's Day is one of the most important holidays in Iceland, and people usually celebrate with family and friends and set off fireworks.

Good Friday (March or April): Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter (March or April): Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Summer's Day (April 19): Summer's Day is a traditional festival in Iceland that celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of summer. People usually wear traditional costumes on this day and participate in various celebrations.

Labor Day (May 1): May Day is an international labor day, and Icelandic trade unions hold parades and demonstrations on this day.

Ascension Day (May or June): Ascension Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.

Pentecost (May or June): Pentecost is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.

National Day (June 17): National Day is Iceland's national day, commemorating Iceland's independence from Denmark in 1944.

Bank Holiday (August 1): Bank Holidays are the days when banks are closed in Iceland, and shops are usually closed on these days.

Independence Day (December 1): Independence Day is Iceland's independence day, commemorating Iceland's full independence from Denmark in 1918.

Christmas Day (December 24-26): Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Icelanders usually spend this day with family and friends to celebrate Christmas.

Public holidays in Iceland are usually full-day holidays, which means that most shops and businesses are closed on these days.

Iceland's most unique festivals:

Þorrablót: Þorrablót is a month-long festival from late January to mid-February that celebrates the arrival of winter. During this festival, people will taste a variety of traditional Icelandic foods, including sheep's heads, pickled shark meat, whale meat and sour goat's milk. Although these foods may not smell very appealing, they are an important part of Iceland's food culture.

Verslunarmannahelgi: Merchants' Weekend is a traditional festival in Iceland that is usually held on the first weekend of August. During this weekend, towns across the country will hold various celebrations, including concerts, sports games and flea markets. People will take this opportunity to relax and enjoy the summer.

First Day of Summer: First Day of Summer is a traditional festival in Iceland that is held on April 19th every year. During this festival, people will wear traditional costumes and participate in various celebrations, such as singing and dancing, bonfire parties, etc. First Day of Summer marks the end of Iceland's long winter and the arrival of warm summer.

Culture Night in Reykjavík: Culture Night in Reykjavík is an annual festival in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, usually held on the last Saturday of August. On this night, many museums, galleries and cultural centers in the city are open to the public for free and host various cultural events.

Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival: Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival is a winter festival in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, usually held in February and March. During this festival, the city's streets and buildings are decorated with colorful lights, and various light art exhibitions and performances are held.

Some additional resources：

Government of Iceland website:
https://www.government.is/topics/governance-and-national-symbols/how-is-iceland-governed/
Icelandic Tourist Board website: https://www.visiticeland.com/