Iceland review - 2007, Page 51

ICELAND REVIEW 57
On Dutch photographer Hester Blankestijn’s first trip to Iceland in December 2005, she was struck by the graves at a
rural churchyard in Kotströnd, less than 50 kilometers from Reykjavík, decorated with bright electric lights. She did some
research and was surprised to find that it’s a national custom. She returned a year later with her camera to document
this unusual way of remembering loved ones in the holiday season. She will be back again this winter to complete her
project but in the meantime, here are some of the highlights so far. AE
Beyond the Grave
Photos By hester Blankestijn
Kotströnd cemetary.
Álftártunga churchyard.