August 2

Islendingadagurinn is the second oldest continuous ethnic festival in North America (the first was held in Milwaukee in 1874.)

The first Icelandic festival in Manitoba was held in Winnipeg in 1890; was held there annually until 1931, and since 1932 has been held in Gimli.

August 2nd was chosen for the festival date because on that day, in 1874, the first Icelandic celebration in North America had taken place, and, in Iceland, a new constitution had been accepted.

1932 was the first year that the festival was officially brought to Gimli. Over the past 90 years, not many things have changed regarding the festivities. Even the parade and traditional program are at approximately the same time of day.

Photo by Leif Norman; https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicFestival