Taking place in Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), Þjóðhátíð, or National Festival, is the pinnacle of the country’s long weekend, known as Verslunarmannahelgi (Shop Workers’ Weekend). The event is centred around Commerce Day, a public holiday for all shopkeepers and retail industry professionals.
Both events go back to 1874 when the country celebrated the millennium of Icelandic settlement. Initially, Þjóðhátíð was “accidentally” arranged in 1874, when the residents of the Westman Islands couldn’t attend the festivities on the mainland due to bad weather.
Despite its controversial reputation over the years, Þjóðhátíð remains a highly popular public event attracting campers and travellers from Iceland and beyond.
This is largely due to the festival’s scenic location, Herjólfsdalur on Heimaey, the major island of the archipelago. This dramatic natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering cliffs becomes a perfect venue for fireworks and live music.
Today, it attracts around 15,000 festivalgoers – more than three times the population of the Westman Islands themselves.
Whether you’re joining the celebrations in the Westman Islands or soaking up the atmosphere elsewhere in Iceland, this playlist captures the spirit of the country’s biggest summer weekend. Press play and experience the soundtrack to Þjóðhátíð and Verslunarmannahelgi.
Click here to check the programme of the festival.