Tórshavn Local Customs

The flag of the Faroes was first made by Faroese students in Copenhagen and later brought to the Faroes where it was first hoisted 22 June 1919. About a decade, in 1931, later it came into common but unofficial use. When Denmark was occupied by German forces in April 1940, British troops took the islands and a need to distinguish the ships of the Faroes from those of occupied Denmark occurred. On 25 April 1940 British authorities approved the flag as the ensign of the Faroes. With the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948 the flag was finally recognized as the national flag of the Faroes. 25 April has been made Flag Day. The flag carries the name Merkid, meaning the sign or banner. The dominant white colour is said to represent the pure sky as well as the foam of the waves breaking against the coasts of the islands, red and blue are both colours found in traditional Faroese headdress. At the same time the colours are those of the flags of Norway and Iceland.

I had read several items and articles about how popular puffin is on menus in restauarants and hotels. I have to say, that this did not seem to be the case. I did not encounter the word "puffin" on any menu.

It seems that due to many different reasons puffins were no longer easily found by residents or visitors. I asked one hotel receptionist about this - I was told that there had been some legislation which meant that the islanders had to buy puffin from Iceland. However the Icelandic government had also passed legislation regarding the export of this product. In addition, I understand that due to very violent and severe storms in early 2008, the breeding grounds had been damaged possibly beyond recovery.

I was keen to try the bird if I could find it on the menu. Sadly this was not to be the case!

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The library in Tórshavn is located on the first floor of the building and has a very wide selection of books, periodicals and many other things. There are many speaking books and there is an extensive DVD and CD collection.

The library is:

Opið er: Mánadag - fríggjadag kl. 10 - 18 • Leygardag kl. 10 - 14

For those who do not speak Faroese -

Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00 and Saturday from 10.00 - 14.00

Scandinavian languages are verry similar to eachother. Writing danish or norwegian are practically writing versions of each other. Faroese however are more of a version of old norse, the language that were spoken in Norway at the time of the Vikings. This means that the spoken Faroese sounds completely strange to a norwegian like me, but if I see it written, I'd have no trouble reading the text. The sign on the picture says that "It is stricktly forbidden to throw garbage at the wharf/pier. Violations will be punished after the harbour regulations"

Alcohol is restricted in Færøyene, in opposition to Denmark, but just like Norway. If you're going to enjoy alcoholic beverages you have to buy them at "Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins". This is the local monopoly controlled by the islands goverment.

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The Islands have a predominantly Lutheran population - and attending church still seems to be a normal practice for many many people.

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The building was built from Faroese basalt in 1894. It served as a school until 1955. In the 1970s it was restored and converted into the town hall.

It is located on the square at Vaglið.