GREENLAND’S ANNUAL NATIONAL FESTIVAL

Greenland’s National Day on 21 June is a national festival in all towns and settlements in Greenland.

At each location, celebrations consist of a programme comprising morning songs, speeches, hoisting of the flag, a church service, kaffemik and local entertainment such as music, folk dancing, displays of kayaking skills, etc.

Museums and cultural buildings also mark the National Day with special events or exhibition while the country’s only national TV channel, KNR, broadcasts comprehensive reports from different towns.

EXPRESSION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

The National Day was introduced in 1983 as one of the Home Rule’s traditions and is thus one of several expressions of national identity which is also reflected in the flag, clothing, national anthem and language.

The longest and therefore lightest day of the year was a natural choice as Greenland’s National Day – a day on which the nation can celebrate its national and cultural values together. People are often seen in national costumes and the many events on this festive occasion provide lots of good photo opportunities for visitors.