Celebrating the New Republic 1944. Photo: Sigurhans Vignir

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

In 1944 the proposal to end the relationship with Denmark was submitted to a referendum, with record election turnout: nearly 99% of registered electors voted, and 97% were in favour of the proposal.  

The birth of the republic in 1944 marked the final step in the Icelanders’ peaceful campaign for self-determination that had been in progress for nearly 100 years. Power had been gradually transferred from Denmark to Iceland, with the re-establishment of the Alþingi (parliament) in 1845, Iceland’s first written constitution in 1874, home rule in 1904, and finally national sovereignty in 1918, when Iceland became an independent nation, but remained in personal union with the Danish king.  

The foundation of the republic on 17 June 1944, and the celebrations at Þingvellir, are regarded by many as one of the most historic events in Icelandic history.

About 25,000 people (one-fifth of the population) attended the celebrations at Þingvellir, the ancient parliamentary site which is hallowed ground to Icelanders. They listened to inspirational speeches, united in cheering and sang patriotic songs. But heavy rain undeniably made its mark upon this joyful day.   

The celebrations at Þingvellir began in the early afternoon of 17 June 1944, and at 1.55 pm the speaker of the Alþingi declared the session of parliament open, and formally declared that “the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland was now in force.” Iceland was a free and sovereign republic.   

In the following days and weeks, celebrations of the new republic continued all around the country. In the capital, Reykjavík, festivities were held on 18 June, with parades, brass bands, choral singing, speeches and sports displays. 

Cel­eb­rat­ing the New Re­pub­lic 1944

Currently on view in Skotið exhibition space - an exhibition on the occasion that this year marks 80 years since Icelanders founded a republic and seceded from the union with Denmark.

Celebrating the New Republic 1944