Today is the Day of the Icelandic Language, RÚV reports. This is the 20th time the day is celebrated, but November 16th is the birthdate of one of our most beloved poets, Jónas Hallgrímsson.
A diverse program is planned in grade schools, preschools, at the University of Iceland, Akureyri University and Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.
The Icelandic Educational Agency holds a poetry competition for grade school students. The challenge is to write the second two lines of a rhyme, the first two having been provided by a master of rhyme, Helgi Zimsen. Book prizes will be given to the best poets.
At 5:00 pm, the two-man band Hundur í óskilum (Lost Dog) will entertain in Gljúfrasteinn, writer Halldór Laxness’ residence, where the band will breeze through his most famous novels. Independent People, his best known novel, will be covered to the tune of the Beatles. Admission is free.
Mímir, the Association of Students of Icelandic, hosts a special program in Árnagarður, at the University of Iceland campus, beginning at 5:00 pm, where psychological treatment will be discussed in verse, as well as local names, and the importance of LGBT vocabulary.
Akureyri University hosts an event, beginning at 4:00 pm, where some of Jónas Hallgrímsson’s poems will be presented in song.
For a complete list of events, please visit the website of the Ministry of Education.
