Sami National Day: The History and How to Prepare

Every year on 6 February, the Sámi people—the Indigenous inhabitants of Sápmi, the region spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula—celebrate Sami National Day. This day is a really important symbol of identity, culture, and resilience, honouring the traditions, language, and history of one of Europe’s oldest Indigenous communities. For those interested in Nordic culture, Sámi National Day offers a window into a vibrant heritage that has survived centuries of colonisation, assimilation, and modern pressures.

Here’s everything you need to know about the history of this important day and how to prepare to celebrate it respectfully.

The first Sami congress took place in Trondheim in 1917. Photo from Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum

The History of Sámi National Day

Sámi National Day was officially recognized in 1993 (so not very long ago), after decades of advocacy for Sámi rights and cultural recognition. The chosen date, 6 February, commemorates the first Sámi congress, which was held in Trondheim, Norway, in 1917. This congress was an historic moment for Sámi people. It brought together representatives from across Norway and Sweden to discuss land rights, language preservation, education, and cultural autonomy. Something which had not happened before.

Although Finland and Russia did not participate in the 1917 congress, 6 February has since been embraced across the Sámi homeland as a unifying day to celebrate identity and culture. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, it is a public celebration in Sámi communities, though it is not a public holiday in all countries.

The day is not only celebratory—it is also reflective. It symbolises centuries of resistance against forced assimilation policies, the suppression of language, and the loss of traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding. By commemorating the first Sámi congress, Sámi National Day serves as both a reminder of past struggles and a celebration of ongoing cultural resilience.

The Sámi Flag and National Symbols

The Sámi flag, designed in 1986 by Astrid Båhl, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Sámi identity. It features red, green, yellow, and blue—colors traditionally associated with Sámi clothing, art, and cultural symbols. A circle is divided into red and blue halves, representing the sun (red) and the moon (blue), inspired by ancient Sámi shamanistic symbols.

The Sámi anthem, “Sámi soga lávlla” (Song of the Sámi People), written by Isak Saba in 1906, is often sung during celebrations. This anthem emphasizes unity, pride, and the deep connection of the Sámi people to their land and traditions.

Traditional Sámi clothing, known as gákti, is also a central feature of the day. Gákti colors, patterns, and decorations vary by region and family, and they are worn proudly during ceremonies, parades, and cultural gatherings.

Cultural Celebrations Across the Nordics

Sámi National Day is marked by a mix of formal events and local festivities. Typical celebrations include:

• Flag raising ceremonies at town halls, schools, and Sámi cultural centers.

• Traditional music performances, featuring the joik, an ancient form of Sámi singing that expresses emotion, story, or connection to a place.

• Cultural workshops and exhibitions, highlighting handicrafts like duodji (traditional Sámi arts and crafts), reindeer herding techniques, and storytelling.

• Parades and community gatherings, often with children and elders participating together, creating an intergenerational celebration of heritage.

In larger cities like Karasjok and Kautokeino in Norway, Kiruna in Sweden, and Inari in Finland, the day often features public concerts, lectures, and guided cultural experiences.

Food also plays an important role. Sámi cuisine, often based on reindeer, fish, berries, and flatbreads, is shared during the day. Traditional dishes like suovas (smoked reindeer meat) or bidos (a hearty reindeer stew) are served, connecting participants with centuries-old culinary traditions.

How to Prepare for Sámi National Day

If you want to celebrate Sámi National Day respectfully, preparation is key. Here are some steps:

1. Learn About Sámi History and Culture

Understanding the significance of the day is essential. Read about the Sámi people, their language, their traditional livelihoods, and the history of political struggles. Recognizing the deep meaning of the day ensures that celebrations are respectful and informed.

2. Display the Sámi Flag Respectfully

If you choose to display the Sámi flag, make sure to do so with respect. The flag is flown at official events, schools, and private homes in Sámi regions. Avoid using it as mere decoration; instead, understand its symbolism as a representation of identity, resilience, and heritage.

3. Wear Traditional Clothing (if appropriate)

Wearing gákti is a sign of respect and participation in the culture. If you do not own one, consider attending events in smart winter wear while observing and appreciating those who wear traditional attire. Some workshops or cultural centers may offer demonstrations or rentals of traditional clothing.

4. Attend Local Events

Many communities host public lectures, workshops, and performances. These provide opportunities to experience Sámi music, art, and food firsthand. If you’re visiting Sámi regions, check community calendars for parades, concerts, or exhibitions.

5. Support Sámi Artists and Craftspeople

Purchase or admire duodji, Sámi handicrafts made with wood, leather, or textiles. Supporting Indigenous artisans helps preserve cultural traditions while promoting ethical practices.

6. Try Sámi Foods

If possible, sample traditional dishes like bidos, smoked reindeer, or cloudberry desserts. Even a simple tasting experience can connect you to Sámi culinary heritage. You could have some fun making your own.

7. Engage Respectfully With the Community

Remember that this is a day of pride and reflection for the Sámi people. Observe customs, listen actively, and participate without appropriating cultural elements. Ask questions politely, and show genuine interest in learning.

Why Sámi National Day Matters Today

Sámi National Day is more than a celebration—it is an assertion of cultural survival. The Sámi have faced centuries of colonization, forced assimilation, and suppression of language and traditions. Today, recognition of the day and the promotion of Sámi culture helps strengthen identity, ensure language preservation, and maintain the traditions that define a community with roots stretching back thousands of years.

For visitors and Nordic culture enthusiasts, Sámi National Day offers an opportunity to witness the resilience of an Indigenous people, participate in traditions that honor the natural world, and deepen understanding of a culture that thrives in the far north.

6 February is a day of pride, reflection, and celebration for the Sámi people. From the first Sámi congress in 1917 to the modern festivities spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond, Sámi National Day is a reminder of the power of culture, community, and resilience.

Whether you are attending a parade in Kiruna, exploring a cultural center in Karasjok, or learning about Sámi traditions from afar, preparation and respect are key. Learn about history, admire traditional clothing and crafts, enjoy the music and food, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Sámi people.

In honoring Sámi National Day, you honor one of the richest Indigenous cultures in Europe—its past, its present, and its future.