Iceland review - 2015, Side 47

ICELAND REVIEW 45
patriotism and team spirit were palpable in
the air. Despite the countries’ small size,
the competition between them was enor-
mously fierce. Sitting through a women’s
volleyball game between Liechtenstein and
Luxembourg felt like attending an authen-
tic Olympic event, the audience cheering
and jeering loudly with each spike of the
ball and blow of the referee’s whistle. As the
teams called time-out and huddled to strate-
gize, Eurovision and pop songs pumped
loudly throughout Laugardalshöllin, filling
the arena with infectious excitement and
energy.
In the end, Iceland swept the compe-
tition, earning a total of 115 medals—31
bronze, 46 silver, and 38 gold. Iceland
had a strong showing in many categories,
including swimming and athletics, bringing
the island nation’s total tally of gold med-
als throughout the games’ history to an
astonishing 414. When it comes to compet-
ing against other small European nations,
Iceland undoubtedly holds its own.
WELCOMING THE SUN
A multi-day event designed to usher in
the summer and enjoy the midnight sun,
Secret Solstice is a new annual music fes-
tival that took place for the second time in
Laugardalur this year. The festival, which is
steadily growing in size, is a musical melting
pot with its combination of Icelandic and
international acts, including Retro Stefson,
FM Belfast, FKA Twigs, The Wailers and
Wu-Tang Clan, as well as its diverse blend
of local and foreign attendees. The weath-
er was bright and sunny throughout the
three-day event this summer, attracting
throngs of people dressed in short sleeves
and sunglasses, ready to relax, drink some
beer, and surrender to the music.
Secret Solstice showcases a variety of
RECREATION
Top: A hot tub installed for
the Secret Solstice music festival.
Bottom: Laugardalslaug, the largest
swimming pool in Iceland.