Sailors Day in Iceland
Description:
Fishing has always been of great importance for Iceland, through the sea possessions of which there are ways of high-quality cod, haddock, flounder and salmon. Icelanders joke that the only war their country has ever been involved in is the so-called Cod War, when Icelandic patrol boats cut off the nets of foreign fishing trawlers. However, the total mass of seafarers in comparison with the rest of the population sitting on their shoulders is extremely small - only 2-3%.
However, such an important minority for the country was honored - all fishermen, as well as other kinds of sailors were given a special day off - the first Sunday in June. Despite the huge role of navigation in the economy, as well as in the history of Iceland (as you know, without the Vikinogs plowing the sea, the island itself would not have been opened and inhabited), the decision on a special day came with a long delay and only in 1937 the state supported the petition of the Icelandic Maritime Association.
The best sailors, distinguished by heroic exploits or super-large catches are issued medals and certificates, in honor of seafarers are arranged dinner parties with magnificent speeches of gratitude.
After formal receptions, the heroes of the day indulge in more reckless fun at the Maritime Festival: they race on sailing ships, compete in swimming and the skill of saving drowning people, play out military battles on land and at sea and engage in other “sea” affairs.
Invariably accompany the holiday seafood - fish, whale meat and shrimp, perfectly combined with beer, intimate sea conversations and songs.
However, such an important minority for the country was honored - all fishermen, as well as other kinds of sailors were given a special day off - the first Sunday in June. Despite the huge role of navigation in the economy, as well as in the history of Iceland (as you know, without the Vikinogs plowing the sea, the island itself would not have been opened and inhabited), the decision on a special day came with a long delay and only in 1937 the state supported the petition of the Icelandic Maritime Association.
The best sailors, distinguished by heroic exploits or super-large catches are issued medals and certificates, in honor of seafarers are arranged dinner parties with magnificent speeches of gratitude.
After formal receptions, the heroes of the day indulge in more reckless fun at the Maritime Festival: they race on sailing ships, compete in swimming and the skill of saving drowning people, play out military battles on land and at sea and engage in other “sea” affairs.
Invariably accompany the holiday seafood - fish, whale meat and shrimp, perfectly combined with beer, intimate sea conversations and songs.