Ólavsøka – National Day of the Faroe Islands

Please note: On observed holidays, most shops, restaurants, and businesses will be closed. Regional buses and ferries operate on a Sunday schedule on both the 28th and 29th of July. Tourists are advised to plan accordingly and make any necessary purchases in advance.

Ólavsøka, held on July 29th, is the National Day of the Faroe Islands. The literal meaning of Ólavsøka is “Saint Olaf’s Wake” (vigilia sancti Olavi in Latin). This celebration honors the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson II (Ólavur Halgi in Faroese), who died in the Battle of Stiklestad, Norway, in 1030. Following his death, King Olaf was canonised and became the patron saint of Norway. His martyrdom is believed to have played a crucial role in the Christianisation of Norway and the Faroe Islands. During the Middle Ages, the Faroe Islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway, and the tradition of Olsok (as it is called in Norwegian) has continued on the Faroe Islands, now recognized as the National Day and Festival of the Faroe Islands.

Ólavsøka is a vibrant two-day celebration on the 28th and 29th of July, drawing many Faroese people to the capital, Tórshavn. The streets of Tórshavn come alive with people, many dressed in colorful national Faroese attire, greeting friends and acquaintances and participating in jovial festivities. The traditional greeting for Ólavsøka in Faroese is “Góða Ólavsøku!” (Good Olaf’s Wake!).

The festivities kick off with a grand procession featuring athletes from local clubs, Tórshavn city council members, a brass band, and horse riders. This procession winds through the city, culminating at Tinghúsvøllurin (the House of Parliament Field), where an appointed speaker delivers the annual speech to officially open Ólavsøka.

The festival is rich in cultural highlights, including traditional Faroese chain dancing and ballad singing, concerts, and art exhibitions. The chain dance is open to everyone and typically takes place at Sjónleikarhúsið, a theatre in Tórshavn. Restaurants stay open late, offering a chance to sample both traditional Faroese dishes and international cuisine. One of the festival’s main attractions is the national rowing competition finals, held on Ólavsøka, showcasing the Faroe Islands’ national sport of sea rowing.

Ólavsøka also marks the annual opening of the Faroese parliament, Løgtingið, a tradition that has endured for over 900 years. On the morning of July 29th, the members of Parliament, Government Ministers, priests of the National Church of the Faroe Islands, and other public officials walk in procession to the Tórshavn Cathedral for a service. Following the service, the procession continues to the House of Parliament, where there are choral and musical performances. The formal opening of Parliament features the Prime Minister’s (Løgmaður’s) annual speech and address to the Parliament and the Faroese Nation.

The celebrations culminate in a grand finale at midnight on July 29th with the Midnáttarsangurin (Midnight Song). A large crowd gathers in the town square to sing traditional and contemporary Faroese songs and ballads, and to dance the traditional Faroese chain dance.

For more information about the Ólavsøka program, please contact Visit Tórshavn.