 Þorrablót January 19th to February 18th Throughout the country
Þorrablót (pronounced Thorrablot) is an ancient Viking midwinter tradition of feasting on traditional foods like shark, dried fish and sheep. Around the country, the icelandic people celebrate these old traditions, eating, drinking and singing, not much unlike what the vikings did back in the day. Live like a Viking just once a year.
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 Lent February 19th to February 21st Throughout the country
Enjoy delicious cream and jelly buns on Monday which the Icelandic people refer to as Bolludagur (buns day), saltet meat and peas on Tuesday we call Sprengidagur (bursting day - an old custom where people used to have great meat feast before the long friday fasting). Like the name suggests, overeating is not uncommon! On Wednesday, children dress up in costumes and walk store to store, earning candy by singing.
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 Food and Fun February 21st to February 25th Reykjavík The name really says it all... Food and Fun is an event which combines outstanding culinary skills, fresh natural ingredients, Icelandic outdoor adventure and the world-famous Reykjavik nightlife to create the ultimate recipe for fun..
Check out the website at: http://www.foodandfun.is/ |
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 Easter April 5th to April 9th Throughout the country
Time to meet with family and friends and relax, enjoy huge chocolate eggs and smoked lamb.
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 First day of summer April 19th Throughout the country
This holiday falls in April in Iceland and is usually the occasion for colorful parades and street entertainment.
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 Reykjavík arts festival May Reykjavík The Reykjavik Arts Festival has been held biannually since 1970 and annually from 2004. A varied program of concerts and cultural events. Performances by leading Icelandic and international artists make this an solid and even unforgettable event.
Dates announced on the festivals homepage at http://www.artfest.is |
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 Festival of the sea First weekend in June Throughout the country
A day that honors fishermen and all those who make their living from the sea. The day is celebrated in towns throughout the country with parades, arts and crafts activities and cultural events.
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 National day June 17th Throughout the country
Iceland takes on mardi-gras like atmosphere with parades and street fairs as Icelanders celebrate their independence from Denmark, which occured in 1944.
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 Summer solstice June 21st Throughout the country
Gatherings celebrate the magic of the midnight sun on the longest day of the year.
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August long weekend First weekend in August Throughout the country
Some go fishing, some take a trip to the countryside or the mountains, others attend musicfestivals around the country. This weekend is for the most all about having fun, meeting with friends and family and enjoying the Icelandic summer.
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 Gay pride August Reykjavík |
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 Culture night August 22nd to August 24th Reykjavík
Menningarnótt (Icelandic for Culture night), is a yearly event in Icelands capital. It starts off with the Reykjavík Marathon, followed by artistic events which are held in the streets and at cafés throughout the day. A most impressive display of fireworks closes the event at the end of the day.
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 Sheep round-up September Throughout the country
Farmers herd the sheep they have rounded up from summer grazing in the wilds. A fun and merry occasion.
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 Iceland Airwaves October Reykjavík - Akureyri Since the first show held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier showcases for new music, Icelandic and otherwise, in the world. It's been called "the most innovative music festival since CMJ" and "as responsible for all of Reykjavík's recent positive press as Björk herself".
The festival is attracting bigger names in music and fans from around the world each year.
Information on dates, performers and locations at: http://www.icelandairwaves.com/ |
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