Iceland was originally colonized by Erik the Red in 982. As many countries do, Iceland celebrates Christmas (Jól in Icelandic) mostly with good food and presents to loved ones, but unlike most countries that only have a single Father Christmas/Santa Claus character, Icelandic children are fortunate enough to be visited by 13 Yule Lads. Our Iceland holidays are just the ticket, whether you fancy a go-at-your-own-pace getaway or an adventure that includes a couple of excursions. In our 37 years' experience of arranging holidays to see the northern lights we've discovered the best places to view…, Our self drive holidays offer the perfect combination of flexibility to explore at your own pace with the benefit of…. Reykjavík is a good base for the Golden Circle – a famous itinerary that takes in cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers and the world’s oldest parliament. What are their names? Aside from their Viking roots, Icelanders have a strong culture of food, literature and the arts. Jolabokaflod started during World War II, when paper was one of the few things not rationed in Iceland. While our culture is open and affable, we also have a plethora of rich and fascinating traditions. Commerce Day falls on the first Monday of August and it has been observed in Iceland since 1894. In Iceland, there's a special Christmas tradition that involves a very special cat that roams the streets one time per year. Jón Sigurðsson is regarded as Iceland's leader in the campaign for independence. Bun Day and Bursting Day … Advent lights. There a number of special days in Iceland that celebrate all a range of occasions. So, let’s get those tummies rumbling while I tell you some of our more popular traditions. Volcanic landscapes host geothermal lagoons and night skies feature the spectacular Northern Lights. I would highly recommend that you investigate further, especially if you are coming here for an extended period. From food to fun, Icelandic holiday traditions celebrate the history and folklore of the country. Before they go to sleep, kids take one of their best shoes and leave near an open window. There is a strong food culture in Iceland, although some of the more traditional dishes are an acquired taste. Learn all about Iceland's cultural traditions and customs during the holiday season. Another intersting holiday is Beer Day. Eventually, we left our Nordic religion and converted to Christianity. When you don’t have barriers to school, your population tends to thrive. Winter Holidays in Iceland—Christmas Traditions. We tend to leave our children outside in strollers and prams to let them enjoy our fresh Icelandic air while they peacefully slumber. That way when you get here, you won’t be caught off-guard. June 17 was the chosen date because it was the birthdate of Jón Sigurðsson. If you're considering visiting Iceland with your family, summer is probably the best time to visit. Celebrating Irish holidays gives us the perfect opportunity to express our Irish sides numerous times each year! 02295449. In fact, Icelandic music has become its own genre, combining pop and folk. The country has many volcanoes, out of which very few are active. We have 13 different Santas called Yule Lads who are all very mischievous, and they leave treats in the children’s shoes. Land of fire and ice. Here’s a round up of the most popular holidays and annual events in Iceland. They are equal parts funny and slightly confusing. We are Jana & Berglind. It is very interesting indeed! Discover the World. Beer Day began on March 1st, 1989. These tours are the perfect way to customize your holiday. Both … 29/10/2019 . It marks the anniversary of the day that prohibition of beer was rescinded on March 1, 1989. We would recommend between 4-7 days in winter and 7-14 days in summer. The children are rewarded with candies and treats for their singing. Christmas Traditions in Iceland. By Guinevere de la Mare • 2 months ago. 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. These communal swimming areas act as meeting points for all Icelanders, and it is an excellent way for our people to interact with each other and relax (especially during our difficult winter months). Holidays in Iceland. But, we still have strong ties to our original Norse gods. Facebook; LinkedIn; Twitter; Christmas: The highlight of the long Danish winter. Finally, our customs in Iceland may seem very strange for first-time visitors. Þorramatur consists of many different types of food. Most holidays to Iceland start in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, home to engaging museums and lively bars and cafés. But, we still have strong ties to our original Norse gods. Book lovers will want to adopt this lovely holiday tradition, which melds literary and holiday pleasures into a single event. It was abolished during the Christianization of Iceland, but resurrected in the 19th century as a midwinter celebration that continues to be celebrated to this day. Iceland celebrates several holidays and events throughout the year. The time, when everybody puts decorating lights into their windows and Christmas light strings outside of their houses, is here. The black sand takes on extra sparkle at Diamond beach adjacent to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where icebergs drifting out to sea are thrown back on the beach by the Atlantic waves. As for the national holidays and feasts, the most colorful and entertaining cultural event of the Polynesian life is the Heiva I Tahiti – the annual festival of life held on July 14. By wash, I mean you must wash everything. One of the best Icelandic Christmas traditions, particularly for kids, is the shoe-in-the window tradition. It’s a fantastic place to start your south coast Iceland adventure, and is a great gateway to other place. Iceland for kids. Traditions; Home; The Big Picture; People & Society; Traditions; Thorrablot. Other traditions are related to the religious rituals of Lent and Christmas, while one major holiday celebrates Iceland's independence from the former monarchy. 10 Weird Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around The World By Maria Perez On 12/23/17 at 10:00 AM EST A holiday tradition in Japan is eating KFC Chicken on December 25. If you are still interested you should check out some of our most famous phrases. You have entered an incorrect email address! Imagine a coastline where black-sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, or where colourful fishing villages lie scattered like confetti through majestic fjords. Eventually, we left our Nordic religion and converted to Christianity. Iceland is known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” because of its opposing geological features. They have amusing names like Stubby, Gully Gawk, Pot Licker, Door Slammer, etc. Skata is fermented skate, a ray-like, cartilaginous fish which excretes uric acid through the skin. Holidays in Iceland. Please note, we will be closed from 24th - 28th December 2020 and on 1st January 2021. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, and while not everyone celebrates the Christian tradition, it’s highly popular in Iceland, especially among children. So don’t worry, we don’t want to see you naked! In Iceland, you must wash yourself before you get into a pool or hot pot. Each of these holidays comes with its own traditions and family gatherings. If you truly want to experience authentic Icelandic holiday cuisine, you’ll need to be braver than us and try Skata on the 23rd of December – known as Þorláksmessa (Thorlac’s Mass) in Iceland. Your Guide to Iceland’s Culture and Traditions. Or hiking through moss-clad lava fields to a waterfall crashing over 100m-tall cliffs. This is when elves and trolls come out and celebrate with the Icelanders, dancing and singing. Like in all Nordic countries, the holidays in Iceland are quite a few compared to many other countries. Both Akureyri and Reykjavik have a lot to offer, but if you are unsure give our team a call to discuss your options. Iceland’s Culture, Traditions, and Customs, Ferry to Iceland: A Different Way of Traveling, Iceland’s Best Luxury Hotels – Exclusive Accommodation, The Ancient Stories Written in The Iceland Viking Sagas, Basic Phrases In Icelandic For First Timers – Let’s Have A…, Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Iceland Per Month, Climate in Iceland: Temperature and Average Monthly Precipitation, Iceland’s Sky Lagoon – The Ultimate Experience, Your Iceland Honeymoon: An Amazing Experience, Hunting Dragons in Iceland – Lake Lagarfljót and Beyond, Explore Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park’s Lesser-Known Gems, Norse Mythology: The Stories Behind the Icelandic Nature, Iceland Museums: Viking Adventures and More. Taking in a local gig is a wonderful way to embrace the culture and atmosphere of this unique place. Some of the traditions might sound the same or similar to some of your traditions while others might be completely new to you. For me, it is just an excuse to eat as many pastries as humanly possible, and isn’t dessert what life is really about? Every country has its history and traditions. Traditions in Iceland. The reason behind this is to prevent any unwanted bacteria or substances from getting into the water with you. While many adults in Iceland don’t celebrate this tradition these days, it has great historical significance. Aruba is a culturally active island where a number of holidays and traditions are celebrated throughout the year. A land of otherworldly landscapes and shimmering northern lights, Iceland’s natural wonders are well established among adventure travellers but there is more to Iceland that what nature has bequeathed. Probably the most well-known appeal of visiting Iceland is to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. In addition, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are holidays from 1PM. If you have never heard of this tradition, you should research it. 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