June 21st marks a significant day in the heart of Greenland – it’s National Day, a celebration deeply rooted in the nation’s history and cultural identity. Since 1985, Greenland has commemorated this day annually, coinciding with the year when Greenland proudly raised its own flag.

The program of the day

Celebrating the national day in Greenland usually begins in the morning, where the major gives a speech and communities across Greenland come alive with the raising of the national flag, local choirs dressed in their traditional costumes serenade the gathering crowds, The occasion is also punctuated by the resounding boom of three cannon fire.

The day unfolds with a procession to the church for a special ceremony, followed by a public commemoration.

The day unfolds with a procession to the church for a special ceremony, followed by a public commemoration.  Depending on the town or settlement, festivities might include a breakfast for all citizens, kaffemik, drum dancing, a seal hunting competition, a football game, and a variety of other traditional activities, making it a truly memorable day.