The first day of summer

Iceland celebrates the first day of summer, known as "Sumardagurinn fyrsti" in Icelandic, in April because it marks the beginning of the Old Norse calendar's summer season. This tradition dates back to the ancient Norse settlers who arrived in Iceland.

In the Old Norse calendar, there were only two seasons: summer and winter. The first day of summer fell between the end of April and mid-May, depending on local customs and astronomical observations. The celebration of the first day of summer was significant because it heralded the end of the long, dark winter months and the beginning of brighter, warmer days.

Today, Iceland continues this tradition as a cultural celebration, even though the modern calendar defines summer differently. The first day of summer in Iceland typically falls on the first Thursday after April 18th. It's marked with various festivities and events throughout the country, celebrating the arrival of warmer weather and longer daylight hours.