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Iceland is full of live and there is a ever growing list of scheduled events each year. There are always the numerous charming local customs as well that could grab your imagination. There has been a large development in the Icelandic culture scene over the past few years and the country has become a popular place for big music events as well as other cultural events. Whatever the time of year and wherever you go in Iceland, there´ll be something going on of interest.
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| List of events, ordered by date: |
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Thorrablot
(January 19
to
February 18) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: Local tradition, celebration
 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 19
to
February 21) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: Local tradition, celebration
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 21
to
February 25) |
Location: Reykjavík - Type: Culinary festival - Homepage: http://www.foodandfun.is/
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..
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Easter (April 5
to
April 9) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: Custom
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 19) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: National celebration
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 10 - May 26) |
Location: Reykjavík- Type: Arts and culture - Homepage: http://artfest.is/
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.
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Festival of the sea (First weekend in June) |
Location:Throughout the country - Type: National celebration
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 17) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: National celebration
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 21) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: National celebration
Gatherings celebrate the magic of the midnight sun on the longest day of the year.
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August long weekend ( August 4 to August 6) |
Location: Throughout the country- Type: National celebration
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 10 to August 12) |
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Culture night ( August 10 to August 12) |
Location: Reykjavík- Type: Celebration-cultural event
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) |
Location: Throughout the country - countryside - Type: Custom - Iceland Agriculture
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 17 to October 21) |
Location: Reykjavík- Type: Music festival - Homepage: http://www.icelandairwaves.com/
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.
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