Today, 6 February, Sámi communities across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia mark Sámi National Day, a day dedicated to celebrating Sámi culture, identity, and shared history across national borders.

The date commemorates the first Sámi congress, held in Trondheim, Norway, in 1917, a landmark moment in Sámi political cooperation. Sámi National Day has been officially celebrated since 1993, and this year marks more than three decades of honoring Sámi unity and resilience.

The day is traditionally marked by the raising of the Sámi flag, with its distinctive red, green, yellow, and blue colours, and its symbolic sun and moon. In many places, the Sámi flag is raised alongside national flags, accompanied by the singing of the Sámi anthem in local Sámi languages.

Beyond official ceremonies, Sámi National Day is celebrated through a wide range of cultural events. In towns and regions with strong Sámi presence, festivities often extend over several days and may include concerts by Sámi musicians, lectures, exhibitions, outdoor markets, art displays, and traditional sports. These gatherings offer opportunities for Sámi people to come together while also sharing their culture, traditions, and history with wider society.

Happy Sámi National Day to Sámi people everywhere.