The Thrilling Atmosphere of the Avannaata Qimussersua
At the foot of the majestic Mount Nasaasaaq — aptly dubbed “the king of the mountains” — in Sisimiut, Greenland, a vibrant scene unfolded on Saturday. Hundreds of spectators, bundled in an array of bright jackets, insulated pants, and heavy boots, eagerly lined a snow-packed trail, anticipating the exhilarating moment when the racers would glide past. The low sun cast a shimmering glow on the ice, while the crisp snow crunched underfoot, fine and dry like freshly sifted flour. Everywhere you looked, red and white Greenlandic flags proudly waved — from poles, tucked into hoods, and fluttering in mittened hands.
For over thirty years, Greenland has hosted its national dog sledding championship, known as the Avannaata Qimussersua, which translates in the Greenlandic language to “The Great Race of the North.” This year’s event witnessed the participation of more than 25 determined mushers, including a remarkably resilient 14-year-old boy, along with at least 400 spirited dogs. This cherished tradition is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural heritage, where dogs are not merely pets but essential partners in the struggle for survival.
Traditionally, the race has not garnered significant international attention. However, this year, it was thrust into the spotlight of a geopolitical storm when the White House announced that Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, along with one of their children, would be attending the event. The Greenlandic populace, preparing to voice their dissent, was taken aback when Ms. Vance ultimately canceled her trip.
Protests against the perceived American pressure on Greenland and Denmark erupted in front of the American Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday.
Credit: Nils Meilvang/Ritzau Scanpix, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Ms. Vance had attempted to frame her visit as a gesture of cultural appreciation; however, many Greenlanders were unconvinced by this narrative. President Trump has maintained an unusual fixation on Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of Denmark — consistently intensifying his rhetoric with comments about acquiring it “one way or the other,” as he has previously stated.
