Ólavsøka in city center, in front of parliament building. Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen
Ólavsøka is considered by most as the national day of the Faroe Islands. However, it is also a cultural and sports festival filled with excitement and joy. It is a time when the pride and community spirit of the Faroese people shine through!
For two days, from July 28th to 29th, the celebrations include festive events, boat races, football matches, art exhibitions, and the famous Faroese chain dance – usually held at the Tórshavn theatre, Sjónleikarhúsið, and at midnight on July 29th, in the city centre of the capital city of Tórshavn.
The festivities begin today, July 28th, with members of the city council and local sports teams riding on horses, through the city centre, down towards Tinghúsvøllur on Vaglið, where people await their arrival. They gather in front of the parliament building Tinghúsið, where a selected person gives a speech and officially opens Ólavsøka.
On the evening of the boat regatta, July 28th, everyone gathers to cheer on the participants competing with their beautiful traditional wooden boats, showcasing their impressive rowing skills. The boats race a distance of 1,000 meters and the winners receive prizes and medals. It is one of the most exciting and traditional events in Faroese sports!
On July 29th, people gather in front of Tórshavn church and Tinghúsið for a beautiful ceremony and the fantastic Ólavsøka Cantata with classical music and choir. This is when the Faroese Parliament, Løgting, reopens after the summer break!
Ólavsøka is a time when Faroese people from all corners of the islands gather in the capital, Tórshavn, to celebrate our proud culture and history, and where friends from near and far come to experience the unique Faroese atmosphere.
This is our national day
