Greenland National Day
Greenland celebrates National Day every year on June 21, the date chosen for the country’s first national celebration in 1985. The day brings communities together around Greenlandic culture, shared identity and the national flag.[1]
Origins and meaning
Greenland’s National Day, Nunatta Ullua, was introduced in 1985 and first celebrated on June 21. The Greenlandic National Museum and Archives says the day was intended to celebrate national and cultural values together; the new Greenlandic flag, Erfalasorput, was officially brought into use on that first National Day.[1]
June 21 later gained another national significance: Greenland’s Self-Government Act came into force on that date in 2009, replacing the Home Rule arrangement established in 1979. Greenland’s Parliament records that the introduction of self-government was celebrated on National Day.[3][4]
Ceremonies and community traditions
The National Museum and Archives describes a morning gathering in many communities, often beginning in front of the municipality. People greet one another, raise the Greenlandic flag and sing the national anthem; the museum also describes a strong sense of community during the day.[1]
Celebrations vary locally. The museum reports that events may include processions, cannon salutes, church services, choir singing, theatre, Greenlandic polka, modern music, traditional drum singing and dancing, and kayak demonstrations. In Nuuk, a ship from the Joint Arctic Command has answered a cannon salute, according to the museum.[1]
Food, clothing and public holiday rules
Traditional food is part of some gatherings. The museum describes meals of locally caught or prepared food, including seal, whale, birds, fish, reindeer and musk ox, served outdoors with family and friends. People who own Greenlandic national dress may wear it for the occasion.[1]
A Greenlandic regulation on public-school holidays lists Greenland National Day on June 21 as an obligatory day off for pupils, in addition to Sundays. This confirms a school holiday; the regulation does not establish a day off for all workers or specify closures for offices, banks, shops or transport.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Greenland National Day?
It is celebrated every year on June 21. The Greenlandic National Museum and Archives identifies it as the country’s National Day and the date of the first celebration in 1985.[1]
Is it a day off from school?
Yes. Greenland’s public-school holiday regulation lists National Day, June 21, as an obligatory day off for pupils.[2]
What changed on June 21, 2009?
Greenland’s Self-Government Act came into force, replacing the Home Rule arrangement established in 1979.[4]
What can visitors expect to see?
Depending on the community, celebrations may include flag raising, singing, processions, cultural performances and shared meals. The National Museum and Archives describes local variation in the programme.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Day in Greenland:
- Nunatta Ullua - Grønlands Nationaldag- Greenland National Museum and Archives
- Hjemmestyrets bekendtgørelse om ferieplan for folkeskolens elever- Nalunaarutit.gl, Greenlandic legislation
- Indførelse af Selvstyret- Inatsisartut, Greenland Parliament
- Greenland- The Prime Minister’s Office of Denmark