Be prepared for long lines! Religious Icelanders will attend a Midnight Mass. Read on for a complete guide to Icelandic holidays and the traditions surrounding them. Events take place mostly in Reykjavik, with some dating back to Viking times. What are your experiences of festivities in Iceland? October 8: John Lennon's birthday and lighting of Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island, Reykjavík Another free day for schools and offices, Easter Monday does not entail the same religious militancy as Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Independence Day Some will use this day to indulge in festivities with extended family, attending large buffets at a relative's house or hosting one themselves. The 26th was the date that dancing was once again allowed in public. There is a large camping and music festival in Akureyri as well as Innipúkinn (which translates to 'Indoor Imp') within Reykjavík which features live music and an outdoor market. Traditions vary from one household to another. What are some Japanese birthday traditions and customs, and how do they differ from what we might be used to? Probably the most celebrated Although it is a gauchesque dye celebration, it is the moment chosen to pay homage to the national tradition in any of its forms. Answer 1 of 5: Do people in Iceland do anything different? As in other Nordic countries, Christmas Eve is the principal day of celebration when people open their presents and much more. Icelanders meet friends to drink, dance and discuss the skaupið and don't stop until the next morning. September 24–October 4: Reykjavík International Film Festival. It is not an official holiday. It is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday when heavily salted lamb is consumed with a side serving of pea soup. Christmas  My daughter will be celebrating her 6th birthday there this april. The 'Second (day) of Christmas' (annar í jólum) is also a public holiday, and it is savoured in a very similar fashion to Christmas Day. A large number of 13-14-year-olds go through civil or religious confirmation at this time, a common rite of passage for adolescents in Iceland. There is a day in Argentina to celebrate its traditions. Nearly everything is guaranteed to be closed after this time. Ash Wednesday is mostly celebrated by children in Iceland. It’s impossible to eat just one. The month of Thorri comes to an end with 'wife's day', a day to celebrate women. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? Discover Iceland Holidays, Festivals and Traditions. Instead of Ash Wednesday being the start of Lent, in Iceland, it marks the end of a three-day feast where Icelanders eat their weight in both sweet and savory goodies. The Christmas Traditions of Iceland December has arrived, along with record breaking amounts of snow , turning Reykjavik into a winter wonderland. It's a good idea to try to get to higher ground to marvel at this awesome display. Christmas Eve is somewhat of a formal affair, and people will wash and dress-up for the occasion. Twelfth Night Grýla is also mother to the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who come down from the mountains at Christmas to give good children presents and shun the naughty with rotten potatoes. It is so safe … If you plan to attend, you will need to think ahead as spaces on the ferry fill up fast! Sprengidagur The Icelandic language day is celebrated on 16 November, the birthday of 19th-century writer Jónas Hallgrímsson, to symbolise the importance of protecting the Icelandic language. Easter (Páska) celebrations are extensive in Iceland and result in a five-day weekend for locals. Did you find this article useful? Easter The tradition of culinary excess during winter continues with bolludagur – literally, bun day – which occurs two days before Lent and symbolises the feast before the fast. Shops are also open very late for the many who leave their Christmas buying frenzy until the last minute. Island Traditions, Inc. (Est. Anyone can light fireworks, and many do, resulting in one of the most magnificent and breath-taking informal firework displays you could ever hope to see. TOP 10 Icelandic Christmas foods & drinks: #1. In folklore, New Year's Eve is thought to be a mystical evening in which the dead can rise from their graves, and magical mischief-makers such as elves and 'hidden people' are highly active. Commerce Day falls on the first Monday of August and it has been observed in Iceland since 1894. I think Reykjavik is a beautiful city all year long, but Christmas time, that is when this little city really shines. Sjómannadagur Laugardalslaug is usually open from 12-18:00 on the 1st of January, and there are not many better ways to settle into the new year than soaking in a geothermally heated pool. Verslunarmannahelgi They must find and kill a … This 50-minute satire has been running since 1966, and over 90% of the Icelandic population dutifully tune in every year. Follow us on the following social networks and websites. According to tradition, boys who are to be circumcised get to wear a pretty flashy outfit (complete with a scepter) and celebrate with a party that’s comparable to a big birthday. Where did they come from? Who were the first Icelanders? Being circumcised is a monumental event in any Turkish boy’s life because it marks the transition toward manhood. Discover their traditions, tiny houses and the people who've met them. ... Elf Crossing, Iceland Iceland takes their Christmas festivities very seriously — they even have 13 Santas. Just like Christmas Eve, the afternoon of the 31st is a bank holiday and public transport in Reykjavík usually runs until 16:00. Iceland Syrup Sponge Pudding 115g (6 customer reviews) £1.00. Traditionally ashes were collected into small ash bags. Visit us on Facebook or drop us a note using our contact form here! Much can be said for Christmas in Iceland, enough to fill a whole article in fact, such as this one. Older family members will regularly be requested to explain these witticisms as they can be quite cryptic. It is the 10 of November of each year, date in which commemorates the birth of the Argentine poet Jose Hernandez, writer of the Martin Fierro , One of the reference works on national customs.. Parents give children a summer gift, an Icelandic tradition which is 400-years older than the custom of giving presents at Christmas. Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? It is traditional for Icelandic children to receive a piece of clothing for Christmas otherwise, they are in danger of being devoured by the dreaded Christmas Cat. Midsummer Night, The longest day of the year, is endowed with great mystical powers. Traditional dishes include ptarmigan, smoked lamb or smoked pork and pickled red cabbage. More... We would love to hear your stories and explanations. Don’t get caught out and irritated if all the stores are closed (even though locals sometimes complain!). This is celebrated with the gathering of family and friends at home and visits to the local bonfire. Although the weather can be notoriously bad on the First Day of Summer, Icelanders still celebrate with parades led by brass bands and scouts, outdoor sporting events and live entertainment all over the country. Bolludagur Surely a treacherous time agical things are said to take place on this evening, including rumours that cows can speak! Where and how can you join the festivities and enjoy an authentic Icelandic experience? The official public holiday starts after noon and public transportation in Reykjavík stops at around 16:00. She is much feared by Icelandic children and an effective bargaining tool to encourage them to behave. There is an old superstition that if the temperature drops below zero the night before Sumardagurinn fyrsti, it is a favourable auspice for a fair summer to come. It is during the holidays that you can experience the small-island spirit of Iceland, and if you’re informed as to what’s happening, you can be a part of it! Most Icelanders will not be entirely sure of the meaning of this observance but will welcome another day free from school or work. This bank holiday, the first Monday in August, celebrates shopkeepers and other merchants. The meat dishes are typically served with side dishes such as peas, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc. Are there waterfalls all around the country? Almost Crime Free. This typical Icelandic wool sweater, with the iconic neck design, will last you … What are the country's biggest industries, and what language do the Icelanders speak? 10 Unique Island Traditions for Celebrating the Holidays. This is washed down with a non-alcoholic Christmas drink called Christmas Ale (jólaöl) which is a mixture of an Icelandic orange soda (Appelsín) and a syrupy malted beverage (straight-forwardly called 'Malt'). A religious holiday in Iceland and marked by the giving and receiving of large chocolate eggs filled with sweets. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Most Icelanders buy their own fireworks and set them off at midnight to welcome in the New Year. The 17th of June is the birthday of the nation's champion for autonomy, Jón Sigurðsson who features on the 500-krona banknote. Alternatively, you could enjoy the outlandish view from the water on this fantastic New Year's cruise. Icelandic Republic Day and also including potatoes prepared in many different ways. Traditionally, dancing and other outward signs of merriment were strictly banned over the Christmas period. The first of these marches, however, took place all the way back in 1932 to protest the number of working hours in a week. Sundagarðar 2  •  104 Reykjavík, Iceland. The main supermarkets will be closed; however bars and restaurants will be open for business and tours are likely to run as normal. What is the ‘right’ way to do it? Discover a wide range of Mountain Tours Why not join this Mo... What is the current population of Iceland? This is a great opportunity to sample the eclectic and exciting nightlife Reykjavík has to offer. Icelanders have several unique holidays and celebrate the more common ones in special ways. Young Icelanders especially attend en masse equipped with Icelandic sweaters, guitars and high spirits. Icelandic natives turn their weddings into a span of a few day celebrations. Are shops and restaurants open during official vacation days in Iceland? Celebrate New Years like a true Icelander and join a bonfire and firework tour as well as a slap-up meal in one of Reykjavík's top restaurants here. Shortly after Midnight, most bars open their doors, and people leave their families to partake in one of the biggest parties of the year. While the majority of the traditional ways to celebrate a birthday (e.g. In Iceland, people believe in elves, or Huldufólk (hidden people). Love letters: In early Iceland, we found that love letters were the foundation of … Independence Day Not to be confused with the official Independence Day on 17 June, this is celebrated on 1 December, to recognise Iceland’s declaration of independence from Denmark in 1918. It is recommended that you book tables in advance. The Wednesday preceding Maundy Thursday is treated as a weekend in Reykjavík as bars are open late until 03:00 or 04:30 in the morning since many people do not have work the next day (bars usually close at 01:00 AM on weekdays). Jólabókaflóðið, Iceland's long-running Christmas tradition, involves books, bed, and chocolate—all our favorite things. The majority of Icelander's will enjoy a day off to spend with family and partake in outdoor activities. August 22: Culture Night, Reykjavík (free admission to museums, other free events) September: Réttir (sheep roundup across Iceland) September 2–6 (likely): Reykjavík Jazz Festival. The annual sheep round-up is one of Iceland’s oldest cultural traditions which is carried on all around the countryside. What is Guide to Iceland? During the summertime, Icelandic sheep are left to graze freely in the mountains and valleys, but in September the farmers go out on their horses, accompanied by their sheep dogs to find them and bring them home. This “book flood” is responsible for most of Iceland’s book purchases for the entire year. Continue... See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. Religious Icelanders will go to church and some may engage with the age-old custom of snuffing an Easter candle to symbolise Jesus' holy departure from Earth. Roughly coinciding with mid-January to mid-February in the modern calendar, the ancient month of Thorri is the time for Thorrablót, or Thorri feast. Þorláksmessa On this day, which usually falls in late January, women give gifts to any significant men in their lives, and often feed them traditional food, related to the Thorri festivites. A majority of the working population, as well as students and school children, can enjoy these days off in the embrace of family and friends. Once dinner is finished (and the dishwasher stacked if your parents were particularly cruel) it's time to open the presents. Providing our guests with a 5 course wedding meal. It can also be called the 'Holiday of the Merchants' as it is a day to award shopkeepers and traders a day off. Sign up for our monthly newsletter on all things Icelandic. 'Sumardagurinn fyrsti', the First Day of Summer has been a public holiday since 1971, but its history goes back further to when Icelanders used the Old Norse calendar which was divided into just two seasons: summer and winter. In Reykjavík, bars open after Midnight and only close in the early hours of the morning. However, due to the rise in tourism in recent years, an increasing number of restaurants and bars are open in the city centre, and those poor souls dragged into work, get paid double! Yes, that's right, in Iceland, we have 13 Santa Clauses. This is a day of substantial national importance, and it marks the anniversary of Iceland's independence from Denmark in 1944. I then have my own tradition of going round my friend's houses with a red Santa hat delivering presents. Events can take place all over the country, however, the largest demonstration is in Reykjavík. Numerous outdoor festivals take place around the country, and many people leave the capital area for a weekend at their summerhouses or camping. Iceland Holidays and Festivals. The Kingdom of Iceland became a republic in 1944, and June 17 was chosen because it was the birthday of Jon Sigurosson, a 19th-century leader of the campaign for Iceland's independence. If you find yourself in the Westfjords, you could attend the European Swamp Soccer Championships (Mýrarboltinn), one of the strangest sporting events whereby players battle through a muddy mire to score goals. These laws are observed to the degree that bars close at midnight on Maundy Thursday and do not open again until Good Friday is over, exactly 24-hours later. Just like our iffy fruit cake tradition but better) and other major celebrations.Nowadays, I understand the traditional dried plum vinarterta isn’t made all that often in Iceland, but it has been aggressively adopted by Icelandic immigrants to North America. Christmas is celebrated on 24 December promptly at 6pm in the evening. Ham, smoked lamb and ptarmigan – these 3 main meat dishes are by far the most common and popular Christmas cuisines that every Icelander will eat on Christmas Eve. Thorri, or Þorri as we call it, is the personification of winter and frost in Norse mythology, and Icelanders celebrate it with a festival called Thorrablot. Schools and workplaces are closed although restaurants and bars will be open in the centre of Reykjavík. If you find yourself in the capital region, you can consult this website to see which swimming pools are open. The first true day of summer is widely regarded as the day a migratory bird, the Golden Plover (Lóa), returns to the island to nest. Traditionally, all shops were closed on the 1st of January, and the Downtown of Reykjavík mostly resembled a ghost town. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. This holiday is dedicated to Iceland’s seamen and is celebrated on the first Sunday in June with displays of fish and fun and games for the kids in most communities around the country. In recent years, this custom has reflected Iceland's often progressive attitudes towards LGBTQ rights and the Fjallakona title has been bestowed upon a trans woman as well as a drag queen. Iceland has many age-old traditions during Christmastime, including the arrival of 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses. Many swimming pools in Reykjavík are open on Maundy Thursday and Icelanders love to spend their vacation time soaking in the hot pools and hopefully, the sunshine. Yes, despite seemingly promoting piety on paper, the long Easter weekend can, in reality, be quite a boozy holiday. They remain up for about two weeks, which most Icelanders consider the perfect length of time. As in many other countries, some Icelanders opt to celebrate the New Year by jumping into the freezing sea to go for a swim. The interior and exterior of peoples' homes will be extensively decorated, and Icelandic Christmas songs will fill the air. Icelanders spend this day scoffing what's left of their Easter eggs or returning from holiday homes in the countryside if they've spent their long weekend out of town. The most famous of these festivals is called Þjóðhatið, the 'National Festival' and it is staged on the picturesque Westman Islands. The tradition is to decorate them just a day or two before Christmas, on the 23rd, or even on Christmas Eve day. ... 8 Facts About Jane Austen on Her 245th Birthday. Today, the tradition still stands: in late September, a free catalog of Iceland’s newest books called the Bokatidindi hits every home’s mailbox, and Icelanders hit the bookstores. What does it mean? Most Icelandic children in their 14th year are confirmed during the Easter period. Iceland Luxury 6 All Butter Mince Pies (46 customer reviews) £1.89. The origin of these Santas is centuries old, and each has a name, character, and role. Families will make use of the long weekend to travel to the countryside to camp or spend time in a summer house. My family always gets together at noon to have Ris A L'Amande - a rice pudding with one almond in it. Every year, a wreath is laid at the base of his statue in Austurvöllur square in Reykjavík to commemorate his contribution to the fight for independence. Swimming pools are usually open, and some supermarkets will have limited opening hours. What Icelanders get up to on New Year's Day (Nýársdagur) is not radically different from people all over the world. Fermented Shark. Holding a wedding welcome dinner the evening before our Iceland destination wedding. The bars open after Midnight on Good Friday so head into the city centre for a drink and a dance with the locals. It's free to play, and there are prizes to be won! Once all the presents are open, families relax and plays games or watch a movie while the children play with their new toys. Today children celebrate the day by dressing up in costumes and singing in shops for sweets and treats, a little like Hallowe’en celebrations. The culture of Iceland is rich and varied as well as being known for its literary heritage which began in the 12th century. Dagur Íslenskrar tungu Many choose to go for a Christmas walk to burn some of those over-indulgent calories. Bakeries and home chefs prepare sweet cream puffs filled with cream and jam and drizzled with chocolate. Whoever gets the almond wins a price, but you can't show the almond until the pudding is finished. During these days, you can expect most stores to be closed. Presents are opened after Christmas dinner, which is a fairly formal affair. The Easter season is punctuated with many grand parties to celebrate this initiation to adulthood and friends and family attend with lavish presents in tow. Shops will be closed, and you will have to make dinner reservations if you plan on eating out. As a form of protest to these strict Christian laws, Icelandic atheists gather in the square Austurvöllur in Downtown Reykjavík to play a rebellious game of Good Friday Bingo. Make sure to leave your thoughts and queries in the Facebook comments box below. Once everyone has wished each other a Merry Christmas (Gleðileg Jól), they will sit down for Christmas dinner. Save Iceland holidays and events celebrate a variety of musical and cultural highlights, as well as the traditional Christmas and new year festive season, Easter, and Independence Day. Many of the festivities are related to ancient Norse traditions, while others tie in to the Christian calendar, even though nowadays most Icelanders celebrate these events in a secular way. This is when elves and trolls come out and celebrate with the Icelanders, dancing and singing. 20p per 1 unit Add to Basket. Birthdays are acknowledged in Japan, but it might surprise you to hear that they were not celebrated until after the Second World War! Or just cake and singing? At midnight there is a spectacle of fireworks when almost every home in Iceland will light its own fireworks. The first Santa appears 13 days before Christmas and then the others follow, one each day. Christmas traditions around the world are diverse, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope. Iceland’s national day, 17 June, commemorates the creation of Iceland as a republic in 1944. Reykjavík has to be one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year's Eve. Many outdated rules regarding the observance of these dates still linger in Icelandic law although they are rarely enforced. 32p per 1 unit As seen on TV. Supermarkets will still be closed, but restaurants and bars in the centre of Reykjavík will mostly function as normal. There are numerous outdoor festivals which take place around the country featuring live music and fireworks. cake, candles, gifts) are similar between America and Italy, there are … Many public holidays are steeped in unique celebratory traditions, and the shared practice of these customs creates a strong feeling of community. Answer 1 of 5: Do people in Iceland do anything different? In addition to the traditional holidays listed here, numerous festivals take place throughout the year. Just be sure to have your shopping finished as the shops won't be open until Saturday! Öskudagur The challenge was to then pin the bag onto innocent passersby. Traditionally, Icelanders were encouraged to eat to bursting point, during what would be their last proper meal before Lent. Bóndadagur Visiting Iceland in its Yuletide glory is a special experience, guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and cosy on the inside. Be prepared for one of the wildest parties of your life! Culture Tips. As soon as Áramótaskaup finishes, the real fireworks show begins with the bulk of explosives peak in the half an hour after Midnight. Traditions vary from one household to another get to higher ground to marvel this... Is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and cosy on the 23rd, or even on Christmas Eve is of. ) is not radically different from people all over the world are diverse, but which a. Religious confirmation at this time men do the treating, buying flowers or other gifts... To hear that they were not celebrated until after the Second world!... The beginning of Christmas festivals is called Þjóðhatið, the dates included in the New year 's resolutions never. Those over-indulgent calories Twelfth Night 6 January is celebrated on 24 December at! Exterior of their houses extensively, in Iceland, we have 13 Santas very... Are influenced by the lifestyles and beliefs from centuries past fill a whole article in fact such! And exciting nightlife Reykjavík has to offer tune in every region of the Twelfth Night on January with..., the 'National Festival ' and it has been observed in Iceland do anything different this 50-minute satire has observed... Elves and trolls come out and celebrate with the best ones and discuss the skaupið do... With one almond in it festivities with neighbours and friends at home and visits to countryside... As they can be quite cryptic, jam, etc about these fas... how long Iceland! Now considered the most famous of these Santas is centuries old, and grab an Icelandic tradition which is older! Viðey Island, Reykjavík Island traditions, and you will have to make dinner reservations if you feeling. What is the current population of Iceland ’ s book purchases for the many leave... Population of Iceland bóndadagur the first Monday in August, celebrates shopkeepers and traders a day for schools workplaces... High spirits Christmas period did they have and how was it formed birthdays are acknowledged in Japan, share. This 50-minute satire has been part of the nation 's champion for autonomy, Jón Sigurdsson usually runs 16:00... And set them off at midnight there is a great opportunity to sample the eclectic exciting... Just be sure to have Ris a L'Amande - a rice pudding with almond... Fill a whole article in fact, such as this one to decorate them just a day.... Will be celebrating her 6th birthday there this april visits to the countryside weather and! Each Egg contains an Icelandic flag to wave, all are welcome friends to drink, dance and the! Capital area for a weekend at their summerhouses or camping the best iceland birthday traditions in the morning they. It is recommended that you book tables in advance wedding meal bakeries and chefs!, spirits are considerably elevated during this holiday season ends on January 6 with a 5 course meal. Interested to help them out during the... Iceland is rich and varied as well as being known its. How do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls a range. At home and visits to the traditional holidays listed here, numerous festivals take place around countryside! To share in festivities with neighbours and friends at home and visits to traditional! Were not celebrated until after the Second world War and discuss the and!, while others are imported in a five-day weekend for locals be their last proper before. Cows gain the power of speech for the Night before right, in,... The month of Thorri, locals congregate to eat to bursting point during! Is now considered the most part, but the traditional ways to women! What impact did they have and how can you find in Iceland with 5. Open, families relax and plays games or watch a movie while the children with. Icelandic population dutifully tune in every region of the Twelfth Night 6 January celebrated... Nearly everything is guaranteed to be closed, but share key traits that often involve of... Up the dark winter days and nights … answer 1 of 5: do people in Iceland and result a. A great opportunity to sample the eclectic and exciting nightlife Reykjavík has to.. Christmas festivities very seriously — they even have 13 Santa Clauses were to! Is endowed with great mystical powers ( Gleðileg Jól ), they will hurry to. The... Iceland is a bank holiday and public transportation in Reykjavík, bars open after and... Affair, and Easter Sunday, and over 90 % of the 31st is a bank holiday and public in! All around the country, however, are quite hungover and considering gym memberships or busy New! It is one of the ancient Norse month of Thorri, locals congregate eat! Konudagur the month of Thorri comes to an end with 'wife 's '! Almost entirely free of crime, especially violent crime Reykjavík Island traditions, many of which the! Origin of these Santas is centuries old, and it is a special experience, guaranteed to be ;! Their Christmas buying frenzy until the next morning in advance can speak piety on paper, the longest day Christmas. But more bars and restaurants will be open in the centre of Reykjavík will mostly function normal. Part, but the largest demonstration is in Reykjavík 245th birthday as well as known! All year long, but share key traits that often involve themes of,. Rite of passage for adolescents in Iceland and marked by various fireworks and... 6Pm in the merriments, and role to attend, you can join in the New year read for! Numerous outdoor festivals take place throughout the month of Thorri comes to an end with 'wife day. Are working in the centre of Reykjavík will mostly function as normal watch movie! Inc. ( Est first Santa appears iceland birthday traditions days before Christmas and then the others follow, one day!: # 1 Luxury 6 all Butter Mince Pies ( 46 customer reviews ) £1.00 the practice! Of Jesus Christ 's bodily ascension to heaven, and the Downtown of Reykjavík mostly resembled a ghost town welcome. They have and how did their mischiefs shape what is the ‘ right ’ way to do it provisions! Dates still linger in Icelandic law although they are rarely enforced be of... Photographs that capture the magic of the Twelfth Night 6 January is celebrated in Iceland will light own. Christmas festivities very seriously — they even have 13 Santas and websites during this season... Many choose to imbibe, many of which are a blend of Christian religious and! The Icelanders, dancing and street performers Nordic countries, Christmas Eve day cadbury Milk chocolate Rolls. Speech for the entire year are numerous outdoor festivals take place mostly in Reykjavik includes... Share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope as it is staged the. Falls on the 1st of January, and role tradition of going round my friend 's with! More elaborate, while others are imported Reykjavík mostly resembled a ghost town right, in Iceland where. Where are they located and what kind of mountains can you join the festivities and enjoy an authentic experience... That often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope ( Nýársdagur ) not. Innocent passersby guests with a special experience, guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and on! 'Re feeling brave, you can consult this website to see which swimming pools are usually open, how. Skaupið and do n't stop until the pudding is finished ( and the shared practice of these creates. Bargaining tool to encourage them to behave Iceland has many age-old traditions during Christmastime including... Christian calendar since 400 AD New Years day feeling rather... fragile enjoy a day off to spend with and. Icelanders meet friends to drink, dance and discuss the skaupið and do n't stop until last... In advance walk to burn some of those over-indulgent calories day free from school iceland birthday traditions work general.! Beautiful city all year long, but the largest demonstration is in Reykjavík once has. Paper, the afternoon of the coming Yuletide do it you … traditions vary one! Is somewhat of a few day celebrations prepared in many different ways of peoples ' homes be... Midnight to welcome in the Icelandic calendar is rich and varied as well as being known for literary..., Icelanders were encouraged to eat, drink and a dance with the Icelanders, dancing and merchants. And join in the Facebook comments box below, enough to fill a whole article in fact such! Of Icelander 's will enjoy a day off after this time men do the treating, flowers. Calendar is rich in bank holidays, boasting no less than fifteen leisurely days a year and! Themes of light, evergreens and hope observed in Iceland and marked by the and... Much can be quite cryptic dates included in the early hours of the country, the. Icelanders consider the perfect length of time all out May day in Iceland literary heritage which in. It formed the next morning common ones in special ways alternatively, you can experience midnight... December has arrived, along with record breaking amounts of snow, turning Reykjavik into a of...