Klaksvík Seamen’s Day draws growing crowds with free events

Kringvarp Føroya reports that Klaksvík’s Seamen’s Day begins on Friday with a large fishing competition at Stongunum in the afternoon, followed by the traditional water fight in the evening.

The event has been held annually since 2005. It was initially organised at Stongunum, but since 2014 all joint activities have taken place on the western side of Klaksvík.

“People are fond of Seamen’s Day, and there is a great deal of goodwill,” said Eyðstein Poulsen, chairman of the committee organising Føroya Sjómannadag, the Seamen’s Day festival. He said many people and companies contribute their time after receiving little more than a phone call from the committee.

All activities are free, which Poulsen said had been a goal since the festival’s first day. He said the event helps highlight the fishing and maritime industries.

Poulsen, who is a teacher, said upper-secondary schools and institutions visit schools before the summer holidays to explain what they offer, while there is otherwise limited contact with the industry. Seamen’s Day therefore provides a useful opportunity to learn about it, he said.

The festival has sought to maintain its traditional character while adding new activities each year. Attendance has grown, with increasing numbers travelling to Klaksvík from across the country.

“The most important thing for us is that everyone has a good day and gains insight into the industry, and I feel that we are succeeding,” Poulsen said.