Self-government Day in Iceland (01/12)

Self-government Day in Iceland is celebrated annually on December 1 in memory of an important event in the history of the country that took place in 1918. On this day, Iceland was recognized as a sovereign state, in union with Denmark.

Previously, starting in 1380, Iceland was a possession of Denmark.

The national liberation movement gained strength throughout the 19th century, from the middle of which Iceland won more and more freedoms.

Thus, in 1843, the Althing — tradition was restored of a convention in the week «mid-summer» for the All-Icelandic Ting (people's assembly), where controversial issues were resolved, sued and laws were passed. In 1854, the Danish trade monopoly was abolished, and in 1874 the Constitution was adopted, granting Iceland limited autonomy.

According to tradition, in honor of the holiday, most cities in Iceland host various festive and thematic events.

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