Marking the Final Day of Christmas Festivities
January 6th, informally known as Þrettanda in Icelandic, wraps up the Christmas season. In the capital, Reykjavik, folks raised bonfires and fireworks to bid adieu to the festive season, and last night was no exception.
In the western region of Reykjavik, a sizeable crowd gathered at the Ægissiða bonfire, with Sveinn Bjarki, a local teacher, leading a chorus of singers. The lively procession, adorned with torches, commenced from Melaskóli elementary school and proceeded to Ægissiða, guarded by the police. Upon arrival, the Yule lads joined the group, and the torches were flung onto the pyre.
Although the weather was chilly, the spirits were high. Sveinn attributed the impressive turnout to the long wait since the last celebration and the allure of a sudden surge of participants. Curious tourists also mixed with locals, joining in on the vibrant festival.
With waffles in hand and smiles on faces, revellers savored the moment, creating a fond memory for the last day of Christmas. The Twelfth Night bonfire in this area is an annual tradition, organized by the parents' association of the local schools. Attendees savored warm waffles and watched mesmerizing fireworks courtesy of the KR sports club.
Meanwhile, in another corner of town, the singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson serenaded guests at a separate bonfire. Across Iceland, bonfires were lit in cities like Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, adding warmth to the winter's eve. [1][4]
While research indicates that Twelfth Night celebrations may involve caroling in Iceland, specific details about the Reykjavik event were not readily available. For a comprehensive understanding of Icelandic traditions and local events, it might be useful to consult local Icelandic sources or community calendars. Reykjavik hosts a variety of annual festivals, like Culture Night and New Year's Eve, typified by cultural performances, fireworks, and lively crowds, although they are usually connected to different occasions. [1]
- Despite the chilly weather, the Twelfth Night bonfire in the western region of Reykjavik attracted a large crowd, with Sveinn Bjarki leading a chorus of singers and the Yule lads joining in the celebration.
- The lively festival, adorned with torches, started from Melaskóli elementary school and ended at Ægissiða, where torches were flung onto the pyre.
- The vibrant festival wasn't limited to locals, as curious tourists also mixed with the crowd, enjoying the culture and the annual tradition.
- In another corner of town, the singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson serenaded guests at a separate bonfire, while similar celebrations were held in other cities like Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur.
