Every year on the first Sunday in June, Iceland celebrates Seafarers' Day. The holiday is of great importance for the state. This is the only day of the year when all ships are in the harbor and sailors can celebrate with their families.
Officially, Seamen's Day was declared a public holiday in 1937, when a petition from the Icelandic Maritime Association resonated with the authorities. Since then, on every first Sunday in June, the flags of Iceland have been flown on the streets, which is typical only for national celebrations. Despite the fact that the share of sailors in comparison with the rest of the island's population is negligible, all residents of this country strive to enjoy the holiday so revered by them.
Every year the celebrations are divided into two parts: formal and informal. In the first of them, honoring of distinguished sailors with awards, medals and certificates takes place. As a rule, words of gratitude are received by those people in whose life there are not only big catches, but also feats committed in the fight against the sea element. Receptions are arranged for them and the veteran sailors.
After the end of the official part of the celebration, a large-scale informal Sea Festival begins. This huge party brings together perhaps the vast majority of Icelanders. On it you can take part or admire the "sea wolves", which demonstrate their skill in rescuing drowning people, and also hold all kinds of sailing competitions. In addition, not a single sailor's Day is complete without the reconstruction of naval battles, etc.
This holiday attracts tourists from many parts of the world to the island, because it helps people to fully experience the “spirit of Iceland”, which is so proud of its fishing industry. We can say that fishing actually "feeds" the entire island. Day of the sailor is always accompanied by parades and concerts, songs and dances, as well as seafood. Exquisite delicacies, along with the usual squid and dried fish, can be tasted by everyone, and foamy beer always flows like a river at this festival.
