Marking the end of Christmas festivities
Lively Twelfth Night Celebrations in Iceland
Waving goodbye to Christmas on the sixth of January, often known as Þrettándinn in Icelandic, is no ordinary affair. This day, celebrated with fervor, especially marking the end with bonfires and fireworks, was no exception.
In the western part of Reykjavík, a massive crowd gathered at Ægissíða for the bonfire spectacle. Sveinn Bjarki, a teacher leading a singing group, described the blaze as unusually grand. The festivities commenced at Melaskóli elementary school at 6 PM, where Sveinn led the crowd in song and parade, torch-in-hand, accompanied by the police. Upon reaching Ægissíða, the Icelandic Yule lads greeted the mob, while their torches were flung onto the pyre.
A Chilly, Yet Enjoyable Bash
Although a small gathering initially, a last-minute surge ensured a delightful turnout, including a sizeable group of tourists joining the local revelers. Among the merrymaking was the relishing of waffles by many as they bid adieu to the festive season. Local sports club, KR, put on a fireworks display for the attendees to enjoy.
Organized by the parents' association of the elementary schools in the vicinity, this event was a highlight of the Twelfth Night celebrations in the western part of Reykjavík. The weather may have been cold and calm, but it surely added to the unique charm of the occasion.
Bonfire Gufunes and Beyond
Simultaneously, in Gufunes, Friðrik Dór Jónsson took the stage to entertain guests. Other bonfires flickered in Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, just to name a few.
This tradition of bonfires and fireworks is a part of the Icelandic Christmas culture, albeit more renowned for familial gatherings, traditional food, and communal singing or storytelling. The Yule Lads and their pranks form an essential component of Icelandic folklore, lending an intriguing cultural spin to the season. While Þrettándinn is primarily a marker of the Christmas season's conclusion, the greater Yule Lads' tradition remains an integral part of Icelandic heritage.
The cold weather didn't deter outdoor-living as locals and tourists enjoyed the bonfire spectacle at Ægissiða, taking a break from their usual home-and-garden routines. Amidst the Yule lads' pranks and the festive Twelfth Night lifestyle, waffles became a popular choice for bid farewell to the festive season.
