Although saddened by the results of the plebiscite, King Christian X sent a letter on 17 June 1944 congratulating Icelanders on the establishment of a republic.

[citation needed] Icelanders celebrated the severing of all formal ties with Denmark after centuries of sometimes difficult Danish rule.

Iceland's national day was chosen as the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson who pioneered the early independence movement.

The celebration traditionally takes the form of parades through each city, town, and village, usually with a brass band leading the way.

After the parade speeches are held out in the open, including one from Fjallkonan (the woman of the mountain), clad in Skautbúningur, who recites a poem.