Marking the conclusion of Christmas festivities
"January 6th, dubbed as Þrettándinn in Iceland, signifies the close of the Christmas season for the Nordic nation. More commonly recognized as the Twelfth Night worldwide, this day is celebrated with blazing bonfires and dazzling fireworks, and last night was no exception.
In the western part of Reykjavík, a multitude of individuals gathered at the bonfire in Ægissíða to bid farewell to the holiday season. Sveinn Bjarki, a teacher spearheading a singing group, recounts the bonfire being unusually grand.
The gathering commenced at Melaskóli elementary school at 6 PM, where Sveinn led the chorus in a torchlight procession that made its way down to Ægissíða, escorted by the police. Upon their arrival, the Icelandic Yule lads joined the group, and the torches were set ablaze upon a stake.
The evening was remarkably serene, although there was a chilly nip in the air. Sveinn explains that the crowd initially seemed small, but a late influx of attendees caused the group to swell in size. A noteworthy contingent of tourists joined the locals in celebration.
People reveled in the moment, with many partaking in delicious waffles amidst the Twelfth Night revelry, as reported by mbl.is/Árni Sæberg.
"It was an exhilarating experience since it had been some time since we last held this event," said Sveinn, crediting the turnout to the weather.
The bonfire was a regular feature of the Twelfth Night celebration in the western parts of Reykjavík, organized by the parental association of the local schools. Participants were treated to freshly baked waffles and a vibrant fireworks display courtesy of the local sports club, KR.
Meanwhile, Friðrik Dór Jónsson captivated audiences with his performance at another bonfire held in Gufunes. Throughout the nation, bonfires blazed in Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, among other locales.
Þrettándinn, laced with tradition and a touch of Icelandic folklore, is a cherished cultural celebration, marking the end of the Christmas season."
The serene evening, despite a chilly nip in the air, was an exciting experience for the crowds, with Sveinn attributing the impressive turnout to the weather. The bonfire, a traditional Twelfth Night celebration in the western parts of Reykjavik, also featured home-and-garden delights, such as freshly baked waffles, and outdoor-living entertainment like a vibrant fireworks display.
