2024: Important Dates and Events on the Faroe Islands

Nýggjársdagur (New Years Day)

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands will be closed on New Years Day. 

12 February

Føstulávintmánadagur (Shrovetide Monday)

The public holiday Føstulávint is a carnival-like tradition celebrated in many Northern European countries. Most shops and restaurants will be open on the 12th of February.

The traditions of Føstulávint vary somewhat between countries. Usually, in the run up to the event, some school's will teach students a traditional Faroese ballad to go along with the traditional Faroese Dance, which is then performed on the first day of Føstulávint. 

They will also play a game called Tunnusláttur similar to the concept of the piñata. A wooden (sometimes painted) barrel full of candy is strung up in a suitable location and the participants each get a go to strike the barrel with a club once. The barrel is of course more sturdy than a piñata, and it can therefore take up to 45 minutes for the barrel to come down, and break - thus spilling out the sweets inside. 
The person who knocks down the barrel gets the honorary title 'Kattakongur' meaning 'King of Cats'. 

The evening of Føstulávint is known as Grýlukvøld. The kids will dress up in all manners of homemade or store-bought costumes (from princesses, to trolls to grandmothers) to go trick-or-treating.

Tunnilsdagur (Tunnel Day)

On this day it is possible to drive through the underwater tunnel Norðoyatunnilin -  free of charge. 

The shops and restaurants in the northernmost city of Klaksvík will often have long opening hours, sales and events on, to invite people from elsewhere in the country to come and explore the north. 

You can read more about the tunnels on tunnil.fo

Pálmasunnudagur (Palm Sunday)

Pálmasunnudagur is the Christian holiday that falls on the Sunday before Easter. On this day Christians commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem, before his subsequent crucifixion a few days later. 

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day - in the same way they would any Sunday. 

Skírhósdagur (Maundy/Holy Thursday)

Skírhósdagur is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels. 

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

Langi Fríggjadagur (Good Friday)

Páskadagur (Easter Sunday)

Easter Sunday marks Jesus' resurrection. 

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day. 

2. Páskadagur (Easter Monday)

On the Faroe Islands Easter traditions continue on to the Monday called 2. Páskadagur. 

Most shops and many restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

Bindifestivalurin (Annual knitting festival) in Fuglafjørður city

The annual knitting festival Bindifestivalurin celebrates the rich history surrounding Faroese knitting culture, with event and workshops in the small city of Fuglafjørður on the island Eysturoy. 

You can find out more on bindifestival.com

Mentanarvikan (Culture week) in Runavík city 

Mentanarvikan in Runavík city on the island Eysturoy is one of the many cultural events held on the Faroe Islands throughout the year, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. 

Often shops and restaurants have longer opening hours, to give people the opportunity to take their time and experience everything the locals have to offer. 

Flaggdagur (National Flag Day)

The national flag of the Faroe Islands is called Merkið. Designed by Faroese students in Copenhagen, it was first raised in the islands in 1919 but not recognised until 25 April 1940 (by Great Britain during the World War II).

This is technically only half a statutory holiday, and opening hours for shops and restaurants therefore differ. 

Dýri Biðidagur (Great Prayer Day)

Dýri Biðidagur is celebrated in Denmark, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland and was introduced in the Church of Denmark in 1686 by King Christian V as a consolidation of several minor Roman Catholic holidays that had survived the Reformation of the national church. 

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

Tunnilsdagur (Tunnel Day)

On this day it is possible to drive through the underwater tunnels Vágatunillin and Norðoyatunnilin - free of charge. 

The shops and restaurants on the island Vágar and separately in the northernmost city of Klaksvík will have long opening hours, sales and events on, to invite people from elsewhere in the country to come and explore different parts of the islands.

You can read more about the tunnels on tunnil.fo

Várdagar (Spring days) in Nes Municipality

Várdagar in Nes Municipality on the island Eysturoy is one of the many culture events held on the Faroe Islands, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. Often shops and restaurants have longer opening hours, to give people the opportunity to take their time and experience everything the local have to offer. 

Várdagar is one of the longer cultural events, as it extends over a full week and culminates in the popular boat festival in Toftir village on 4 May. 

Bátafestivalur (Boat festival) in Toftir village

One of the two annual boat festivals on the Faroe Islands, hosted in the village Toftir on the island Eysturoy. 

The event boasts not only boat related entertainment, but also music, carnival activities and art which makes it appealing to not only boat owners, but people from all over the country. 

1/2 marathon in Klaksvík city

The half marathon in Klaksvík city on the island Borðoy is one of several organised runs on the Faroe Islands. 

Kristi Himmalferðardagur (Ascension Day)

Kristi Himmalferðardagur celebrates Jesus' victory over death and his salvation of all those who believe in him. It marks the end of the Easter celebration.

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

Mammudagur (Faroese Mother's Day) 

Bátafestivalur (Boat festival) in Vestmanna village

One of the two annual boat festivals on the Faroe Islands, hosted in the village Vestmanna on the island Streymoy.

The event boasts not only boat related entertainment, but also music, carnival activities and art which makes it appealing to not only boat owners, but people from all over the country.

Hvítusunnudagur (Whit/Pentecost Sunday)

Hvítusunnudagur celebrates the descending of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the apostles after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

2. Hvítusunnudagur (Whit/Pentecost Monday)

2. Hvítusunnudagur is the second day of the Pentecostal celebration which commemorates the descending of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the apostles after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

Norðoyastevna in Klaksvík city

Norðoyastevna in Klaksvík city on the island Borðoy is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka. 

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition. 

1 June

Okkara Land (Our Country) Festivalur 

Grundlógardagur (Danish Constitution Day) and Faroese Father's Day

The Faroe Islands are a part of the Danish Kingdom, and therefore The Danish Constitution Day is celebrated as a 1/2 statutory holiday. 

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed for parts of this holiday.

Country Festivalurin (Country Festival) in Sørvágur village

On the 6-8 June the village of Sørvágur on the island Vágar, where Múlafossur Cottages are also located, hosts the only country and blues festival on the islands, with performances by local and international musicians, solo artists and bands. 

You can find out more on their website.

Mentanarnátt (culture night) in the capitol Tórshavn

Mentanarnátt in the capitol Tórshavn is one of the many cultural events held on the Faroe Islands, in which the locals invite people from all over the country to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community for an evening.

Because Mentanarnátt is hosted in the capitol, Mentanarnátt is one of the bigger cultural events that has an extensive order of events through the day, from art exhibitions, to music and food related events. 

Tórshavn Marathon

The Tórshavn Marathon is one of several organised runs on the Faroe Islands. 

You can read more on torshavnmarathon.com

Sundalagsstevna in Kollafjørður village

Sundalagsstevna in Kollafjørður village on the island Streymoy is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka. 

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition.

Jóansøka in Vágur city

Jóansøka in the city Vágur on the island Suðuroy is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka.

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition.

Voxbotn festival in the capitol Tórshavn

Voxbotn is one of the two music festivals hosted in the capitol Tórshavn. By many it is considered the official start of the summer, as the summer holiday has begun for students. Graduates will be seen wearing their Faroese graduation hats to the event.

You can find out more on voxbotn.fo (although it's unfortunately not yet available in English)

Fjarðastevna in Vestmanna city

Fjarðastevna in Vestmanna city on the island Streymoy is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka.

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition.

Føroya Sunnasta Hálvmaraton (Faroes' most southern 1/2 Marathon)

Føroya Sunnasta Hálvmaraton is the only 1/2 marathon held on the island Suðuroy. 

You can read more about it here

Eystanstevna in Runavík city

Eystanstevna in Runavík city on the island Eysturoy is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka.

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition.

Varmakelda (Hot spring) in Fuglafjørður city

Varmakelda in Fuglafjørður city is one of the many cultural events held on the Faroe Islands, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. 

Often shops and restaurants have longer opening hours, to give people the opportunity to take their time and experience everything the local have to offer.

The Varmakelda event is named after the hotspring that is located in the area. Historically people have gone to this hot spring during this period, as it was known to be warmest in July, and people said it was meant to be a source of not just healing but also love. 

Vestanstevna in Sandavágur village

Vestanstevna in Sandavágur village, on the island Vágar is one of the original festivals/events celebrated around the islands each year. The events known as Stevna have been running for decades and were originally organised around Kappróður which is the national rowing sport of the Faroe Islands, with villages competing against each other. 

The events are hosted in different locations in the weekends of the summer, culminating in the National Holiday Ólavsøka.

At these events there is often a fairground, musical events and art shows, as well as the popular kappróður competition.

Tórsfest in the capitol Tórshavn 

Tórsfest is one of the two music festivals hosted in the capitol Tórshavn. 

G Festival in Gøta village

Since 2002 the music festival G Festival has hosted an array of is the musicians from all over the world. The annual three-day celebration of music is unique: Taking over the village of Syðrugöta – population 400 – on the island of Eysturoy, the festival’s stages are built on the beach and the football pitch, right under the windows of houses. 

You can find out more on Gfestival.fo

Faroe Pride 

Faroe Pride is held annually in the capitol Tórshavn on 27 July. The well-attended day event celebrates LGBTQIA+ rights with a colourful parade, music and speeches. 

Ólavsøkuaftan (St Olav's Eve, National holiday) 

1/2 Statutory Holiday

Ólavsøka is the annual national holiday of the Faroe Islands, celebrated over two days, from the 28th to the 29th of July. 
It's origin is a remembrance day of the death of the Norwegian Saint Olaf. 

On this day thousands of people flock to the capitol to part-take in the festivities. There are hundreds of differing art and music events and fairgrounds during and in the lead up to the holiday, and most people tend to dress in their national, traditional dress called Føroysk Klæðir (Faroese clothing). 

On the 28th there is a procession of all the local sports teams, politicians and a brass band that ends with a speech by someone who 'opens the Ólavsøka'. 
This is also the last day of Kappróður, the Faroese National sport of a rowing competition between the different villages/towns. 

The day is celebrated with family and friends who live in the capitol, traditional food and drinking. 

28 July is considered half a statutory holiday where most shops/restaurants in the country close at 12pm, but many shops in and around the area of downtown Tórshavn, where the Ólavsøka takes place, will be open for business. 

Ólavsøkudagur (St Olav's Day, National Holiday) 

29 July is Ólavsøkudagur, and it continues on similarly to the 28th with art exhibitions, music events and two of the biggest events:

1. In the morning there is a church ceremony followed by the a procession of all the local priests and politicians on the islands. The procession ends up by the parliament in the centre of the city of Tórshavn. Here the a big choir sings and the Faroese Prime Minister gives a speech, and thereafter opens the parliament again post summer holidays. 

2. In the evening at 11PM thousands of people from all around the country gather again around the parliament to sing national songs, hymns and folk songs together. This is followed by some Faroese Dancing and old viking ballads. 

Shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands tend to be closed on this day, with the exception of shops and restaurants in and around Tórshavn City Centre where the Ólavsøka takes place. 

Summarfestivalur (Summer Festival)

The music festival Summarfestivalur is a three-day event hosted in the Northern-most city of Klaksvík on the island Borðoy. 

The event boasts a variety of music, food and entertainment for all ages, and is considered the most family-friendly music festival on the islands.

You can find out more on SF.fo

Ovastevna on Nólsoy island

Ovastevna has been celebrated for more than 25 years on the small island of Nólsoy located opposite Tórshavn capitol. This is a weekend of local celebrations with music and activities for the whole family. 

You have to take the ferry out to the island which runs several times throughout the day. 

You can read more about the even here.

Sjómannadagur (Seaman's day) in Klaksvík city

Over 90% of Faroese export is fish, and the Faroese are proud of their fishing industry and the culture that surrounds it. It is therefore only sensible that there is a full weekend devoted to fish exhibitions, food and friendly competitions. The event is held in the city of Klaksvík on the island Borðoy. Everything is free and often they even offer free food. 

24 August

Tunnilsdagur (Tunnel Day)

On this day it is possible to drive through the underwater tunnel Vágatunillin - free of charge. 

The shops and restaurants on the island Vágar will have long opening hours, sales and events on, to invite people from elsewhere in the country to come and explore different parts of the islands.

You can read more about the tunnels on tunnil.fo

Norð Festivalur (North festival)

The Norð Festivalur is hosted in the most iconic spot of Viðareiði village, on the island Viðoy, which is also the most northern habited location of the Faroe Islands. 

The festival is a new edition to the list of music festivals on the Faroe Islands, with a line-up of mostly local musicians and bands.

September (exact date TBC)

Átjan (Eighteen) Wild Islands 

Átjan Wild Islands is a 5-day trail running, adventure & music experience that takes place in the Faroe Islands every September. 

You can read more on their website.

Mentanardagar (Culture Days) in Fuglafjørður city

Mentanardagar in Fuglafjørður city is one of the many cultural events held on the Faroe Islands, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. 

Often shops and restaurants have longer opening hours, to give people the opportunity to take their time and experience everything the local have to offer.

Føroya Vakrasta hálvmaraton (Faroes prettiest 1/2 marathon)

Føroya Vakrasta Hálvmaraton translates to the most beautiful half marathon on the Faroe Islands. Located on Vágar island, which is also where the Múlafossur Cottage are located, the runners will pass many iconic spots on the Faroe Islands. The marathon starts off in Gásadalur and finishes by the well-known church in Sandavágur. 

You can read more about it on the website Frælsi

Tunnilsdagur (Tunnel Day)

On this day it is possible to drive through the underwater tunnel Norðoyatunnilin free of charge. 

The shops and restaurants in the northernmost city of Klaksvík on the island Borðoy and will often have long opening hours, sales and events on, to invite people from elsewhere in the country to come and explore the north.

You can read more about the tunnels on tunnil.fo

Heystfagnaður (Autmn celebrations) in Eiði village

Heystfagnaður in Eiði village on the island Eysturoy is one of the many cultural events celebrated on the Faroe Islands, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. 

This event, compared to other cultural events on the Faroes, focuses particularly the rich history of farming, animal slaughter and agriculture that takes place in the autumn period. There are also fun competitions between the locals. 

Savnsfagnaður in the capitol Tórshavn

The Savnsfagnaður event is a celebration of museums, organised by the three museums: Tjóðsavnið, Listasavnið and Sjósavnið - all located in the capitol Tórshavn. The three host different family-friendly activities and workshops for children and adults.

Býarskái in Runavík city

Býarskái in Runavík city is one of the many cultural events celebrated on the Faroe Islands, where the locals invite people from all over the islands to join them in celebrating culture, music, art and community. 

This event, compared to other cultural events, is perhaps more aimed at showcasing what the shops and restaurants in the city have to offer, and to give people the opportunity to take their time in the various establishments.

Tunnilsdagur (Tunnel Day)

On this day it is possible to drive through the underwater tunnels Vágatunillin and Norðoyatunnilin - free of charge. 

The shops and restaurants on the island Vágar and separately the the northernmost city of Klaksvík on the island Borðoy will have long opening hours, sales and events on, to invite people from elsewhere in the country to come and explore different parts of the islands.

You can read more about the tunnels on tunnil.fo

Jólaaftan (Christmas Eve) 

Similar to most other European countries, the Faroese consider the 24th of December to be the "big Christmas day" where families go to church in the evening, get together to eat, open presents and traditionally dance around the Christmas tree.

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day.

1. Jóladag (Christmas Day)

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on Christmas Day, which traditionally is celebrated with family. 

2. Jóladag (Boxing Day) 

2. Jóladag meaning second Christmas Day, is similar to 1. Jóladag (First Christmas Day) in that it is celebrated with family. 

However for many, especially younger generations, the evening is considered the biggest going-out-evening/party of the year, where people head to the capitol to meet up with friends and students that might be home on the Faroe Islands for the Christmas period.

Most shops and restaurants on the Faroe Islands are closed on this day. 

Nýggjársaftan (New Year's Eve) 

New Years Eve is celebrated on the Faroe Island with fireworks, bonfires and hundreds oil lanterns that are lit and placed all around the villages while the electricity gets turned off around midnight.

Some islands also have a torch parade ending with people throwing them onto a wooden viking boat. 

Shops and restaurants are open on this day, but might have shorter opening hours.