Commemorating the Christmas Finale
Let's Talk About Iceland's Twelfth Night Bash!
January 6th, known as the Thirteenth, or Þrettándinn, in Icelandic, brings the official end to Christmas celebrations. This day is much like the Twelfth Night in the English-speaking world, albeit with a unique Icelandic twist!
In the western part of Reykjavík, the night sparkled with bonfires and fireworks, and last night was no exception. Sveinn Bjarki, a local teacher and choir leader, shared that the bonfire was unusually grand this year.
The festivities kicked off at the Melaskóli elementary school at 6 PM, where Sveinn led a massive singing group marching with torches towards Ægissíða. Accompanied by the police, the group arrived where the Icelandic Yule lads (yes, you read that right!) awaited them. The torches were then tossed onto the stack, setting the bonfire ablaze.
Chilly but a Blast!
Sveinn mentioned that initially, there were only a few people at Melaskóli, but last-minute excitement swelled the attendee count. A group of tourists also joined in on the fun. The revelers relished the chilly but exciting atmosphere, munching on warm waffles as they celebrated.
Organized by the parents' association of the elementary schools in the area, the bonfire is a traditional part of the Twelfth Night celebration in the western part of Reykjavík. In addition to the fireworks, attendees could indulge in scrumptious waffles and watch a dazzling fireworks display by the local sports club, KR.
Friðrik Dór Jónsson's Enchanting Performance
While the western part of town boasted one bonfire, another spectacular event unfolded at Gufunes. Renowned singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson graced the stage, treating guests to an enchanting performance.
Across the country, more bonfires were lit in places like Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, among others.
So, if you find yourself in Iceland next Twelfth Night, make sure to wrap up warm, join a local bonfire, and sing your heart out - just like the Icelanders do!
- The chilly yet exciting atmosphere of the Twelfth Night celebration in the western part of Reykjavík was appreciated not only by locals like Sveinn Bjarki, but also by tourists who joined in on the fun.
- In addition to the tradition of the bonfire and fireworks at the Melaskóli elementary school, attendees could sample scrumptious waffles and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display by the local sports club, KR.
- Meanwhile, in Gufunes, the renowned singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson enchanted the crowd with an exceptional performance.
- Beyond Gufunes and the western part of Reykjavík, similar bonfire celebrations took place in other towns and cities such as Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur.
