🇫🇴 How to Celebrate Ólavsøka Like a Proper Faroese? Today is Ólavsøka, the Faroese National Day—possibly the most Faroese day in existence. Just count the people in national dress!
But what’s it all about?
Ólavsøka marks the annual opening of the Faroese parliament, Løgtingið, a tradition that has continued for the past 900 years. The name “Ólavsøka” literally means “Saint Olaf’s Wake” (vigilia sancti Olavi in Latin) and honours the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson II, who ruled when the Faroe Islands were part of Norway.
However, if you ask around, it’s not the historical facts that make the day special. Of course the kids come for the balloons, the bouncy castles and the candy floss. And generally people from all over the islands flock to the streets to greet friends and acquaintances, to watch the rowing races, to visit relatives (who serve loads and loads of food), sing, dance, and party until daybreak.
💡 Here are five tips for you who want to celebrate like a proper Faroese:
- Dress up – There is no strict dress code, but please don’t show up in your hiking outfit if you want to blend in. Sweater up, suit up, or dress up—whichever you prefer—and treat it like a casual summer wedding.
- Book in advance (if possible) – Restaurants and hotels usually sell out months in advance, so a little preparation is essential.
- Get familiar with snaps – Or a “líttlan,” as we call it. It’s strong alcohol served at body temperature from a hip flask. If you want to go all in, bring your own.
- Go artsy – There are dozens of art shows on Ólavsøka. The biggest one takes place in the National Gallery, but there is plenty more to see.
- Sing along – With a little practice, you can sing or hum along at Midnight Singing when thousands gather in the town square.
Góða Ólavsøku! Or Good Olaf’s Wake! (The salute for Ólavsøka).
Have you experienced Ólavsøka? Tell us your favorite moment!
Text courtesy of Visit Faroe Islands.
Photo: Johannes Martin, CC BY-ND 2.0.
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