February 06

Observed on February 6, Sami National Day marks the first Sami congress held in Trondheim, Norway, in 1917. It is a unifying celebration for the indigenous Sami people, whose traditional territory spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Festivities include flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances featuring joik singing and traditional dress, creative workshops, and reindeer races. Governments and civil society sometimes host public lectures and exhibitions about Sami history, language, and rights. The day highlights ongoing efforts to preserve Sami culture, promote indigenous rights, and foster cross-border solidarity among Sami communities. Each year’s events reinforce the resilience and vibrant identity of Europe’s only indigenous Arctic population.