On Saturday, Greenland celebrated National Day, the island's largest summer festival, coinciding with the summer solstice, which heralds the onset of astronomical summer. Festivities took place under continuous daylight, characterized by songs, cannon salutes, and traditional dances throughout the day.
Residents of this semi-autonomous Danish territory, which has been a point of interest for U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in various activities to honor the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The celebrations included a march through towns while waving flags and participating in a seal hunting competition, marking a significant cultural event for the approximately 56,000 inhabitants of Greenland.
The National Day, established in 1985 after a referendum on home rule in 1979, commemorates the inaugural raising of the red-and-white Greenlandic flag. As the sun shone brightly, locals gathered for a day of festivities, visiting with friends and family, sharing meals, and engaging in music and dance.
From May 25 to July 25 each year, the people of Greenland eagerly anticipate the midnight sun, which provides a stark contrast to the prolonged darkness of the winter months. The island's strategic and mineral-rich landscape gained international attention after Trump expressed interest in its acquisition, citing national security interests in the Arctic. However, Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly reiterated that the territory is not for sale and condemned increased U.S. intelligence activities in the region.
Despite the political backdrop, Saturday was a day for Greenlanders to set aside concerns and fully enjoy the summer sunshine. Participants, donned in traditional clothing made from pearl collars and seal hides, commenced the day with a march towards the Colonial Harbour, proudly displaying Greenland's national flags.
Johannes Ostermann, a 20-year-old resident, shared his affection for the holiday, noting the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. "You get to go out in the city and meet people you haven't met in a while," he said. "Everyone is being very nice because it’s a very nice day for us all."
The day officially kicked off with a cannon salute at 9 a.m., marking the beginning of the annual seal hunting competition. Participants quickly launched their boats into the sea. Approximately an hour later, the first hunter returned, and following a brief inspection of the catch, it was confirmed that the seal meat would be shared with nursing homes, while other parts of the animal would be utilized for clothing production.
Pilo Samuelsen, a winner of the competition, celebrated his victory and emphasized the importance of the holiday in fostering community bonds and preserving traditional practices. "The seal hunt competition is a nice tradition," Samuelsen remarked. "It’s a day of unity and celebration."
Amid reflections on modern challenges, 33-year-old Sofie Abelsen articulated her hopes for the continuity of cultural traditions in the face of globalization and modernization. "I hope they will continue the traditions so they don’t disappear," she expressed.
Overall, Saturday's National Day festivities not only celebrated Greenland’s cultural heritage but also highlighted the community's resilience and commitment to maintaining their identity amidst external pressures.
