Reykjavík Grapevine - 04.06.2010, Qupperneq 19

Music, Art, Films and Events Listings + Eating, Drinking and Shopping + Map
Your essential guide to life, travel and
entertainment in iceland
Issue 7 - 2010 www.grapevine.is
Get loaded!
Eat candyfloss!
Independence
Day
Town centres
all over Iceland
17
June
In 1944, when the Danes were too distracted with their German occupation, Iceland snuck away from under their colonialist noses. Ev-
ery year since then, Icelanders have celebrated their national identity on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a leader of the independence
movement. Crowds flock to town centres all over the country. Word has it that the Woman of the Mountain, the spirit of the Icelandic
nation, appears during the Independence Day festivities to recite poetry. Younger kids cram their gullets with candy floss, and older
kids stuff their faces with beer, then candy floss. There are a couple stages in downtown Reykjavík with performances throughout the
day. You might also stumble upon some informal merrymaking, like the free BBQ happening at Prikið. Just wander around town and see
what happens. SO Photo by GAS