Today (June 17) is Iceland's independence day celebration. Every year on June 17, Icelanders celebrate the day in 1944 that the independent Republic of Iceland was formed. Iceland was under Danish rule for a significant period. During WWII, the Germans occupied Denmark and the British held occupation of Iceland. Therefore, it was easy for Iceland to secede from the Danes.
Reykjavik has almost transformed over night. It is much like our July 4 celebration in the US. Many of the streets downtown are blocked off to car traffic and there are food vendors, street performers, and moon bounces for the kids everywhere. Restaurants have set up grills outside on their patios and there is even a huge stage set up downtown. One can only hope that the stage is for Sigur Ros or even Bjork to perform!
People everywhere are waving mini Icelandic flags. I hear there will be a parade later in the evening and afterward will be when bands take to the stage. The festivities will culminate with the release of thousands of helium filled balloons, much to the dismay of the whales and seabirds I'm sure. I'm looking forward to ditching my computer at my apartment and heading back downtown to take part in the celebration. Nothing says Independence Day celebration like a hot pylsur and a cold Viking!!
Cheers!
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