Iceland population and the celebration of Bóndadagur

Bóndadagur is a day devoted to celebrating and pampering your male spouse. The traditions around this holiday have certainly changed from when Norse settlers arrived in the country. The celebration of one’s loved one has evolved over the years, and the day continues to be a favourite among Icelanders.

Read on to learn about the origins and traditions of Bóndadagur, and what you can expect of the celebrations this year.

Wool clothing and the history of Bóndadagur 

Bóndadagur, is often translated as “Husband’s Day” or "Husband Appreciation Day" in English. It’s also the first day of Þorri, which is one of the twelve months of the old Icelandic calendar. For centuries Bóndadagur has been celebrated with a traditional feast called Þorrablót, but more on that in a moment.

Incidentally, the name Bóndadagur, comes from the word “Bondi,” which means farmer, resulting in the day also being translated as “Farmer’s Day”.

The month of Þorri is also one of the coldest and harshest winter months in Iceland. Icelandic wool has been worn for centuries by locals year-round when they brave the elements.  Many of the traditional clothing worn on Bóndadagur include some of the warmest garments for the worst of winter days.

Typically, there’s a curious Bóndadagur tradition that contradicts this, or perhaps it’s merely to showcase the “toughness” that Icelandic men were traditionally perceived to bring to the house. The tradition is that on Bóndadagur the man of the house has to “welcome” the month of Þorri dressed in just one leg of his trousers and a shirt as he hops through the house on one foot, dragging the stray trouser leg behind him. It’s only once the shenanigans have been taken care of that everyone’s attention turns to the forthcoming feast.

Traditional Icelandic clothing on Þorrablót the traditional food festival

The month of Þorri is also when the traditional feast and midwinter celebration Þorrablót takes place.  It’s a traditional calendar month that’s inundated with winter traditions, in fact, that it’s often depicted in literature as the very personification of winter, usually a harsh but noble Viking warrior.

Some visitors consider the food served at Þorrablót as unpalatable; however, it’s a feast that is so steeped in Icelandic tradition that the locals have fun and enjoy the food, never mind the appearance of some of the many dishes on the platters.

The traditional food of Þorrablót includes smoked, pickled or salted and dried meats, such as lamb’s head; Hangikjöt (hanged meat); Hrútspungar (ram testicles); Slátur of blóðmör (blood sausage); rye bread; and dried fish.

The traditional menu reflects some of the most tried-and-tested methods of conserving food, a necessity to get through an Icelandic winter before the advent of electric freezers.

Bóndadagur and the feast of Þorrablót are always celebrated on the Friday that occurs during the 13th week of winter.  In 2026 it will be Friday 23rd January.

Bóndadagur 2026

These days many of the traditions are celebrated tongue in cheek, it’s seen as a fun occasion to celebrate Icelandic history and culture. Even though not all modern families have a “man of the house,” and there are not many men today who would consider themselves as the “masters of the house.” Nonetheless, it’s a time when people come together to pamper all the husbands, boyfriends and fathers they love, doing so while decked out in traditional “lopapeysa” jumpers and anticipating a good time.

Þorrablót remains the most popular way to celebrate Bóndadagur, and for many younger generations it’s the only time of year they consume such traditional Icelandic winter food.

Ladies, get ready...

The first day of the next month is called Góa and in the traditional Icelandic calendar it’s the celebration of Konudagur, or “Women’s Day.”  This will be your day as the males in  your life reciprocate all the feasting and pampering of Bóndadagur. It’s a day for all the wives, girlfriends and mothers in your life to be spoilt.