June 17 — Happy National Day of Iceland

Ritstjórn
Scouts lead the procession from Austurvöllur to Hólavallagarður cemetery this morning Róbert Reynisson
Scouts lead the procession from Austurvöllur to Hólavallagarður cemetery this morning

Reykjavík kicked off a spectacular lineup of events this morning to celebrate the National Day of Iceland on June 17.

Alþingi and the Prime Minister's Office hosted the official ceremony, which began at Austurvöllur square at 11 a.m. Following a church service at Dómkirkjan cathedral, the festival program began at Austurvöllur, where large crowds gathered to join the celebrations. Members of the Reykjavík Male Choir performed during the ceremony.

Eyrún Freyja Andradóttir, a recent graduate of Menntaskóli Borgafjarðar, and Daniel Do Carmo Njarðarson, a recent graduate of Fjölbrautarskólinn við Ármúla, serving as wreath bearers
Daniel Do Carmo Njarðarson, nýstúdent frá Fjölbrautarskólanum við Ármúla og Eyrún Freyja Andradóttir, nýstúdent frá Menntaskóla Borgarfjarðar báru blómakrans frá íslensku þjóðinni inn á Austurvöll.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir and President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir walked from the Alþingi building alongside Eyrún Freyja Andradóttir, a recent graduate of Menntaskóli Borgafjarðar junior college, and Daniel Do Carmo Njarðarson, a recent graduate of Fjölbrautarskólinn við Ármúla junior college, who carried the floral wreath together. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir laid the wreath on behalf of the Icelandic people at the statue of Jón Sigurðsson in Austurvöllur. President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir then delivered the National Day address.

Lady of the Mountains

Each year, the identity of the Lady of the Mountain — a ceremonial figure at the Austurvöllur celebrations — remains a closely guarded secret. This year, actor Elín Hall served as the Lady of the Mountain. She delivered the Lady of the Mountain's address, which Bragi Valdimar Skúlason wrote this year.

Elín Hall, actor and this year's Lady of the Mountain, delivers her address
Elín Hall, leikkona er fjallkonan í ár og hún flutti ávarp fjallkonunnar á Austurvelli.

Memorial ceremony at Hólavallagarður cemetery.

Following the ceremony, a procession marched from Austurvöllur to Hólavallagarður cemetery. A ceremony took place there at the graves of President Jón Sigurðsson and his wife, Ingibjörg Einarsdóttir.

A commemorative ceremony took place at the graves of President Jón Sigurðsson and his wife, Ingibjörg Einarsdóttir, at Hólavallagarður cemetery.
Minningarathöfn í Hólavallagarði. Frá vinstri: Hildur Björnsdóttir, borgarstjóri, Daniel Do Carmo Njarðarson, nýstúdent, Eyrún Freyja Andradóttir, nýstúdent, Björg Magnúsdóttir forseti borgarstjórnar og Einar Þorsteinsson, formaður borgarráðs.

Björg Magnúsdóttir, president of City Council, together with recent graduates Eyrún Freyja Andradóttir of Menntaskóli Borgafjarðar and Daniel Do Carmo Njarðarson of Fjölbrautarskólinn við Ármúla, laid a floral tribute on behalf of the people of Reykjavík at the graves of Jón Sigurðsson and his wife, Ingibjörg Einarsdóttir. The president of City Council delivered a brief address, and the Workers' Brass Band provided music.

Parade

At 1 p.m., scouts led a procession from Hallgrímskirkja church. A large crowd joined the procession, along with a few surprise guests, including the troll Tufti and the guardian spirits of Iceland.

The procession drew a large crowd, and surprise guests made a memorable appearance.
Skrúðgangan var fjölmenn og leynigestir létu sjá sig.

The procession ended at Hljómskálagarðurinn park, where a diverse program of events awaits, offering something for everyone. Dance, live music, circus acts, and art groups from Hið Húsið will perform throughout the park and beyond. The scouts' obstacle course and bouncy castles are perennial favorites for all ages. All program activities and equipment are free.

Klambratún park will also host a family entertainment program starting at 1 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site for National Day visitors looking for a bite to eat.

Crowds gathered in the city center for the procession. Locations throughout the city are offering entertainment events.
Fjöldi fólks samankominn í miðborginni í Skrúðgöngu. Skemmtidagskrár eru í boði víða um borgina

Harmonikufélag Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Accordion Society) invites you to an accordion concert and dance at City Hall. Admission is free, with ample seating and room to dance. The program runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This will be a lively celebration.

Árbær Open Air Museum will host a program featuring traditional costumes, folk dancing, the Lady of the Mountain, vintage cars, accordion music, concessions, and beloved old-fashioned ice cream. Free admission for children, disabled people, Culture Card holders, and anyone wearing a national costume.

There's plenty to choose from, and you can view the full program and map of street closures for the celebrations at www.17juni.is

Happy Festival!