Marking the Closure of Christmas Celebrations
Roaring out the Old Year: Iceland's Twelfth Night Celebration
January 6th, known in Iceland as the Thirteenth or Þrettándinn, serves as the grand finale of the Christmas season. This day, more commonly recognized as Twelfth Night in English-speaking countries, is celebrated with blazing bonfires and stunning fireworks, and this year was no exception.
In the western section of Reykjavík, a crowd gathered around the blazing bonfire at Ægissíða to bid farewell to Yule. Sveinn Bjarki, a teacher and passionate choir leader, asserted that this year's bonfire was exceptionally grand.
The festivities kicked off at Melaskóli elementary school at 6 PM, with Sveinn leading a lively singing group. Armed with torches, they marched en masse towards Ægissíða, accompanied by the local constabulary. Upon arrival, the Icelandic Yule lads greeted the gathering, and the torches were hurled onto the pyre.
The chilly night was calm yet brisk, and just before the procession departed, a sudden surge of activity swelled the crowd. Tourists and locals alike reveled in the momentous occasion, with many indulging in mouthwatering waffles as they celebrated the final day of the Christmas season. mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
"It was an absolute blast!" Sveinn exclaimed, "We've been waiting a while for this, so it came as a pleasant surprise to see so many people turn up. The weather was a definite factor too."
The bonfire in the western part of Reykjavík marked the conclusion of the Twelfth Night celebration in the area, organized by the parents' association of the local schools. Guests were treated to a delightful waffle stand and a dazzling fireworks display by the local sports club, KR.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, the singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson performed at a separate bonfire event in Gufunes. Across the nation, various communities lit bonfires in Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, among others.
Known as the final hurrah of the Icelandic Yule season, Þrettándinn is a cherished cultural tradition that brings people together after a long festive period. Although associated with outdoor activities, Þrettándinn's traditions are not strictly tied to bonfires. Instead, Icelanders celebrate with community gatherings and shared cultural experiences. Despite scarce records, Friðrik Dór Jónsson may be involved in events related to Icelandic traditions, although his connection to Þrettándinn is unverified.
Sveinn Bjarki noted that the weather played a significant role in the turnout of the Twelfth Night celebration, making it an even more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the event offered a blend of outdoor-living, with the bonfire and fireworks, and home-and-garden atmosphere, as guests enjoyed food-and-drink, including mouthwatering waffles, and shared in Icelandic lifestyle and cultural traditions.
