Iceland review - 2013, Síða 50

48 ICELAND REVIEW
The ferry is packed. Tourists are easily distinguished by
their backpacks, waterproof jackets and hiking boots.
The others are coming home. Heimaey (‘Home Island’) is the larg-
est and only inhabited of the 15-island Vestmannaeyjar (‘Westman
Islands’) archipelago, 8 km (5 miles) off Iceland’s southern coast.
The local community thrives on fishing with Heimaey having the
second-largest fishing harbor in the country. Natives flock to the
island the first weekend of July every year to celebrate the end of
the unexpected volcanic eruption that devastated the community
in 1973. This year, 40 years have passed since the volcano, Eldfell,
went dead.
common rootS
In spite of its name, Goslokahátíð (‘End of Eruption Festival’) has
surprisingly little to do with the eruption. On the program are
concerts, readings, sports, theater performances, art exhibitions and
other cultural events, few of which have direct links with the catas-
trophe. “You reconnect with people you know, with whom you
have common roots. This year I’m expecting to meet an old friend
The Eldfell volcanic eruption lasted from January 23 to July 3, 1973,
leaving thousands of people homeless. That same year, residents of
Heimaey in Vestmannaeyjar returned to rebuild their community.
This summer, they celebrate the 40th anniversary of that feat.
By eygLó SvALA ArNArSdóTTIr
PHOTOS By PáLL STeFáNSSoN
an island
Called Home