Jun
What you need to know about Iceland’s Celebration of Independence on June 17.
The Anniversary of Þjóðhátiðardagurinn will be celebrated by Icelanders everywhere. Join us in Toronto on June 17! Gleðilega þjóðhátið! Happy National Independence Day!
Do you know that Iceland’s Pride, Sword and Shield is a man named Jón?
It’s Jón Sigurðsson Birthday on June 17, and also Iceland National Day.
Who is Jón Sigurðsson? He was the pioneer of the independence movement in the nineteenth century and the Republic of Iceland was established in 1944, on his birthday.
It is a perfect time to express our appreciation and pride for Icelanders who then and now champion freedom for a heroic populace who has been through some very tough times. Thank you!
Iceland had gained sovereign status in 1918, although was still under rule of the Danish King until the monarchy was abolished by referendum in 1944.
Jón Sigurðsson was born in 1811 at Hrafnseyri, Arnarfjörður. It is a beautiful stop on the way through the Westfjords. The story of the place is fascinating as is the story of the man.
‘Hrafnseyri is a farm and a former parsonage on the northern shores of Arnarfjördur. The present church was consecrated in 1886. It is wooden and covered with corrugated iron. It has been blown off its foundations twice without great damages and put back where it belonged. Hrafnseyri was named after one of the greatest men of the Saga Period (12th century), Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson. He was probably the first educated Doctor of Medicine in Iceland. There are several ruins still visible in the home meadows, a church, and a cemetery.’ says Icelandic Roots.
Jón Sigurðsson was known as a hero, great man, and campaigner for freedom when he died in 1879 in Copenhagen. He is buried in Reykjavik. In 1911 in honour of the centenary of his birth a statue of him was installed facing Parliament House in Reykjavik. A copy is at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg erected by the Icelandic community of Manitoba.
‘Sómi Íslands, sverð þess og skjöldur.’ Iceland’s pride, sword and shield is worthy of remembrance. Click on the links for more info..
‘Taste of Iceland’s Independence Day Picnic in High Park’ on Saturday, June 17 from 1 PM- 4:30 PM.
We are excited to bring you a Free Live Icelandic Music Concert featuring Lindy Vopnfjord, Internationally renowned Icelandic Canadian, and Salóme Katrín, nominated for Album of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards. We are serving up specially imported Vinurpylsur Icelandic Hotdogs with all the famous condiments, Vinarterta Icelandic Cake, and more. As well there will be games for all ages. Bring your Picnic, Chairs and Blankets for an afternoon of deliciousness and fun at Taste of Iceland’s Independence Day Picnic in High Park.
Don’t miss this all-ages family and friends’ event featuring live musical performances by two of the hottest Icelandic Canadian and Icelandic artists in a cultural collaboration celebrating Iceland’s National Independence Day.
Thank you to our sponsors The Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa, Icelandair, Icelandic Glacial, Glaze.is and Vinarterta.ca.
We are looking forward to a magnificent gathering of ICCT Members, and people of all ages interested in Icelandic and Icelandic Canadian culture.
Entry is Free or by Donation Benefiting The Snorri Program. The suggested Donation is $20 per person and includes a bottle of imported Icelandic Glacial water. Please help us by Pre-Registering for the event at: https://www.icct.info/
Here are the details:
Event: Taste of Iceland’s Independence Day: Picnic in High Park
Hosted by: The Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto and The Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa.
Who is it for: For people of all ages who wish to experience Icelandic Food, Music and Games for all ages, and families including Icelanders and Icelandophiles alike.
Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Time: 1pm-4:30pm
Where: High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6R 2Z3, Canada. The site is close to the Parkside Drive and High Park Blvd entrance. Look for the Icelandic flags and Site #22.
Parking: Parking is limited to street parking on weekends. https://www.highparktoronto.com/map.php
Fee: Entry to High Park is Free. Event Entry is Free and by Donation with Proceeds to The Snorri Program.
Pre Event Registration is Appreciated: at icct.info.
Food Available: Imported Vinarpylsur Icelandic Hot Dogs Með Öllu (Icelandic Style), Vínarterta Icelandic Cake and more.
Bring Your Picnic, Chairs and Blankets. We have a beautiful spot close to the Zoo.
Schedule:
1:00 PM – Event Picnic Area and Food by Arden Jackson and Team Opens
2:00 – 2:30 PM – Welcome by ICCT and Hlynur Guðjónsson, Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa
2:30 – 3:00 PM – Performance by Lindy Vopnfjörð (Canada)
3:00 – 3:30 PM – Performance by Salóme Katrín (Iceland)
3:30 – 4:30 PM – Socialize and Games
We look forward to sharing this exceptional cultural event and welcome everyone to join us in the celebration of Iceland’s Independence Day. All these and more delightful surprises await family and friends.
The Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto will be on hand to welcome you. Please contact us with any questions.
Join us as we celebrate Iceland’s best-ever Gleðilega þjóðhátið! Happy National Independence Day!
On behalf of the Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto, we look forward to seeing you there!
Go to the event page:
Scan the QR Code or click the link here.
CVO (Chief Vinarterta Officer)
