The Saami People’s Day (Samefolkets dag)

Saami People's Day, aka Sami National Day is observed on February 6th annually to celebrate the heritage of the indigenous people in Norway. While not a public holiday in Norway, this day is an official flag-flying day. 

History of Sami People’s Day

The Sami culture is the oldest culture in Northern Norway and is celebrated each year on February 6. As the only indigenous peoples of the Nordic countries, the Sami have often felt the pressure to integrate into the local societies of Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish influence.

How Locals in Norway Celebrate

The song of the Sami people, a “joik” is sung on this day. One of the oldest song traditions in Europe, the joik is typically dedicated to a person, an animal or a place. The Sami herd reindeer, and thus on February 6 they partake in reindeer races and celebrate hunting and fishing as their main source of sustenance. The reindeer races draw Sami peoples from Norway, Finland and Sweden together as they compete for the elite title of world champion.

Specific Local Traditions

The “kofte” is a traditional Sami clothing that is typically worn for celebrations and parties. Considered a “duoddji,” the Sami word for craft, a kofte celebrates individual craftsmanship in clothing. The kofte often demonstrates creativity in tin embroidery, pearl embroidery, jacket seams and shoelace weaving. Local Sami’s also illustrate their skills in knife making and wood carving.

Tips for Visiting on Sami People’s Day

Respectfully join in on the Sami festivities and Unite with the native people. Dive into the reindeer meat during the local outdoor festival and listen to the historic joik. Be sure to appreciate individual kofte crafts and the abundance of Sami culture around you! More on Saami National Day Celebrations

For More Information See:

• Sami People - the indigenous people of the north
• Saami National Day Celebrations
• Samis in Norway Celebrate Sami National Day