Iceland review - 2016, Page 10

8 ICELAND REVIEW
FOOD AND FUN
If summer is the season of production, and autumn is the season of harvest, then
winter is the season to spend indoors, cooking up something truly spectacular
with nature’s bounty. That’s why, with spring just around the corner, Reykjavík
invites some of the best chefs in the world to take over many of its top restaurants
every year—allowing patrons to enjoy world-class food and drink, made solely
from Icelandic ingredients—all part of a festival designed to highlight local and
seasonal produce, Reykjavík’s vibrant food scene, and its unparalleled nightlife
and culture.
Reykjavík, March 2-6, foodandfun.is
DARK MUSIC DAYS
Music festivals are often a summer tradition, but Dark Music Days is about
tuning us to the rhythm of nature’s most recessive season. It does this by show-
casing Iceland’s best contemporary music—often brand new and experimen-
tal—and has been organically evolving for over 35 years. While at the cutting
edge of new Icelandic music, this is far from being a rock or pop festival. Be
prepared for clarinets, violins and brass like you’ve never heard them, as well as
a healthy dose of vocals, set in the stunning Harpa Concert Hall.
Reykjavík, January 28-30, darkmusicdays.is
WINTER LIGHTS
At this time of year the days remain short and Christmas sparkle is just a mem-
ory, so Reykjavík invented the Winter Lights Festival, which quickly became a
popular annual event. The festival is not about banishing winter darkness, but
about highlighting its beauty. The diverse schedule includes light shows and
illuminations of prominent landmarks across the capital; as well as music, a pop-
ular swimming pool night and well-attended museums and galleries night—an
opportunity for people to enjoy over 40 galleries and museums for free, includ-
ing many one-off extra events.
Capital region, February 4-7 winterlightsfestival.is
FESTIVALS
Even in the bleak midwinter there’s plenty going on to keep you culturally
stimulated and feeling on top of the world.
BANISHING THE WINTER BLUES
BY ALËX ELLIOTT.
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