Easter Monday in Iceland
In Iceland, Easter Monday is a public holiday called Annar í páskum. It follows Easter Sunday and combines a Christian place in the church calendar with practical effects on work and opening hours.[1][3]
A public holiday called Annar í páskum
Iceland’s holiday listings include Easter Monday among the country’s public holidays. The Icelandic name Annar í páskum is also used by the National Church for the day in its Easter calendar.[1][3]
Work and holiday arrangements
For employees hired to work daytime hours, the Icelandic labour guidance says work on a public holiday is not required unless the employee agrees. When a public holiday falls on a weekday, normal daytime pay for eight hours applies; the guidance says this entitlement for general workers begins after one month with the same employer or in the same occupational sector. Work performed on Easter Monday is paid at an overtime rate in addition to the eight hours’ daytime pay.[1]
The Icelandic labour guidance describes collective-agreement transfers for certain public holidays that fall on Thursdays, naming Ascension Day and the First Day of Summer. Easter Monday is not one of those Thursday holidays, and the official calendar lists no substitute day.[2]
Christian meaning
Easter is a Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. In the National Church’s material for Easter Monday, the Gospel reading tells of Mary Magdalene meeting the risen Jesus at the tomb, and the day’s prayer refers to Easter as bringing life and hope.[3]
Easter’s date changes from year to year. The University of Iceland’s science site explains that, in Western churches, Easter Sunday is set as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21 March; Easter Monday follows it.[4]
Easter customs in Reykjavík
A Reykjavík visitor guide describes chocolate Easter eggs filled with Icelandic sweets and proverbs, Easter lamb, and skiing as local Easter traditions. It also notes that churches hold services during the Easter period.[5]
What closes and what may be open
The Central Bank of Iceland lists Easter Monday as a closed day. Museum schedules can differ: Reykjavík’s visitor guide lists some museums as closed on Easter Monday and gives different schedules for other venues. Check the opening information for each bank, museum, shop, or service before making plans.[5][6]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Iceland?
Yes. It is listed as a public holiday in Iceland. Daytime employees generally do not have to work unless they agree to do so, subject to the eligibility details in labour guidance.[1]
When does Easter Monday fall?
It is the Monday after Easter Sunday. Since Easter Sunday’s date changes each year under the Western church calendar rule, Easter Monday’s date changes too.[4]
Is there a substitute day if Easter Monday falls on a weekend?
The official calendar lists no substitute day. The labour guidance describes transfer arrangements for certain Thursday holidays, not Easter Monday.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Iceland:
- Public holidays- Alþýðusamband Íslands (Icelandic Confederation of Labour)
- Transfer of public holidays- Alþýðusamband Íslands (Icelandic Confederation of Labour)
- Annar páskadagur- Þjóðkirkjan (National Church of Iceland)
- Af hverju eru páskarnir ekki alltaf á sama tíma?- Vísindavefurinn, University of Iceland
- Easter in Reykjavík: Exploring Museums and Icelandic Traditions- Visit Reykjavík
- Public holidays in Iceland- Central Bank of Iceland