2024 Public Holidays in Iceland

Public Holidays in Iceland 2024

Iceland celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural, historical, and religious heritage. These holidays hold significant importance for the people of Iceland and are observed with various traditions and customs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Iceland for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur) – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day, known as Nýársdagur in Icelandic, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and gathering with family and friends to welcome the new year.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Iceland, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur) – April 4, 2024

Maundy Thursday, or Skírdagur in Icelandic, is part of Holy Week and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is observed with church services and rituals, including the washing of feet.

Days off: Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is a significant religious observance for Christians, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to attend church services.

Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi) – April 5, 2024

Good Friday, known as Föstudagurinn langi in Icelandic, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection and prayer for Christians, with church services and processions held across the country.

Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Iceland, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Easter Monday (Annar í páskum) – April 8, 2024

Easter Monday, or Annar í páskum in Icelandic, is the day after Easter Sunday and marks the end of Holy Week. It is a time for relaxation and family gatherings, with some communities hosting Easter egg hunts and other festive activities.

Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Iceland, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) – April 25, 2024

The First Day of Summer, or Sumardagurinn fyrsti in Icelandic, is an ancient Icelandic holiday that marks the beginning of the summer season. It is celebrated with outdoor activities, festivals, and events across the country.

Days off: The First Day of Summer is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is widely celebrated as a cultural event, with many businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in festivities.

May Day (Bóndadagur) – May 1, 2024

May Day, or Bóndadagur in Icelandic, is a traditional Icelandic holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of the farming season. It is observed with feasting, dancing, and other festive activities.

Days off: May Day is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is celebrated as a cultural event, particularly in rural areas, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in festivities.

Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur) – May 9, 2024

Ascension Day, or Uppstigningardagur in Icelandic, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed with church services and religious processions by Christians in Iceland.

Days off: Ascension Day is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is a significant religious observance for Christians, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to attend church services.

Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu) – May 20, 2024

Whit Monday, or Annar í hvítasunnu in Icelandic, is the day after Pentecost and marks the end of the Easter season. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal for Christians.

Days off: Whit Monday is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is observed as a religious observance by Christians, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to attend church services.

National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn) – June 17, 2024

National Day, or Þjóðhátíðardagurinn in Icelandic, commemorates the founding of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. It is celebrated with parades, concerts, and other patriotic events across the country.

Days off: National Day is a public holiday in Iceland, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Midsummer’s Day (Jónsmessa) – June 24, 2024

Midsummer’s Day, or Jónsmessa in Icelandic, is a traditional Icelandic holiday that marks the summer solstice. It is celebrated with bonfires, music, and dancing, with some communities also observing traditional customs and rituals.

Days off: Midsummer’s Day is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is celebrated as a cultural event, particularly in rural areas, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in festivities.

Christmas Day (Jóladagur) – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day, known as Jóladagur in Icelandic, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, feasting, and gift-giving.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Iceland, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Boxing Day (Annar í jólin) – December 26, 2024

Boxing Day, or Annar í jólin in Icelandic, is the day after Christmas Day and is observed with relaxation and family gatherings. It is also a time for giving to those less fortunate, with charitable activities and donations.

Days off: Boxing Day is not a public holiday in Iceland, but it is a time for relaxation and reflection for many people, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Iceland 2024