Reykjavik Newscast #9: Independence Day And The New COVID-19 Airport Screening Process

It’s Independence Day! That means flags, scouts and a day off work – what’s not to love? Join us on the celebratory parade from Austurvöllur Square, outside the Alþingi, to Suðurgata Cemetery.

We’ll also be discussing the airport COVID-19 screenings that started this week. Today’s presenter, Poppy Askham, has experienced the process firsthand and is ready to talk you through it step by step.

Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir took to the podium during the ceremony to wish Icelanders a happy Independence Day.

Interestingly, she used the opportunity to reflect on the racial justice demonstrations of recent weeks. She voiced support for all those opposing systemic inequality and oppression the world over, pointing out that Jón Sigurdsson, the Independence movement leader celebrated on June 17th, was also a protestor fighting for justice. The right to protest is one of Iceland’s most valuable freedoms, according to Katrín.

Here’s her full speech in Icelandic. If any of you are brave enough to attempt to learn the fiendish Icelandic language, this is a good opportunity to test out your translation skills.

We also captured the traditional recital of the Fjallkonan poem, read by this year’s Lady of the Mountain, actress Edda Björgvinsdóttir:

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