Iceland review - 2016, Page 10

8 ICELAND REVIEW
c
ÞJÓÐHÁTÍÐ
The largest and oldest festi-
val held this weekend is the
ever-popular Þjóðhátíð on
Heimaey island, dating back
to 1874 when it was held in
celebration of the 1,000-year
anniversary of the settlement
of Iceland. Outdoor concerts
take place on the big stage
in Ingólfsdalur valley where
islanders in white tents serve
smoked puffin and other
treats to happy campers.
Vestmannaeyjar, dalurinn.is
INNIPÚKINN
Its name referring to sulks
who won’t come out and play,
Innipúkinn is held in the capi-
tal with a range of indoor con-
certs, rather than on a camp-
site somewhere. Innipúkinn
has firmly established itself
on the Verslunarmannahelgi
calendar as a festival for city
slickers happy to party but not
to sleep in tents.
Reykjavík, innipukinn.is
FESTIVALS
Originally a single day off for salespeople in Reykjavík in 1894—
probably the first organized workers’ holiday in Iceland—
Verslunarmannahelgi (‘Merchants’ Weekend’) has evolved into a long
party and family fun weekend with fixed festivals across the country.
Verslunarmannahelgi is always immediately prior to the first Monday
in August (a national holiday where almost everyone goes on a break
except, ironically, many in retail and services); this year July 28 to
August 1. The busiest travel weekend of the year, the weather often
determines where Icelanders take their tents and campers.
SÆLUDAGAR
Held in Vatnaskógur forest
in the West Iceland coun-
tryside, YMCA/YWCA in
Iceland (KFUM/KFUK) wel-
come families to Sæludagar,
where sobriety is a condition.
The festival includes concerts
and sporting competitions,
in addition to rowing, hiking
and soaking in the on-site
hot tubs.
Hvalfjarðarsveit,
kfum.is/vatnaskogur/saeludagar
SÍLDARÆVINTÝRIÐ
Experience Iceland’s north-
ernmost town in its heyday,
mid-last century, when the
herring adventure was at its
height. Watch ‘the silver of
the sea’ being processed the
old fashioned way, in between
concerts, cultural events and
various activities for young
and old.
Siglufjörður,
sildaraevintyri.fjallabyggd.is
EIN MEÐ ÖLLU
Held in the capital of the
north, this all-round family
festival caters to the interests
of both kids and their parents.
Celebrating with fun and
games throughout the day,
the party continues through
the night with indoor and
outdoor concerts, clubbing
and dancing.
Akureyri, einmedollu.is
MÝRARBOLTINN
There is something attrac-
tive about getting dirty and
physical, and lying face-down
in mud, judging by the grow-
ing number of contestants in
the European Swamp Soccer
Championship, or mýrarbolti.
Held in the West Fjords’ cap-
ital, the long weekend is also
celebrated with live music and
other events.
Ísafjörður, myrarbolti.com
NEISTAFLUG
A welcome opportunity for
former residents to reunite
with family and friends, this
East Iceland festival hosts a
range of musical and sport-
ing events, quirky contests,
theater and activities for chil-
dren—as well as concerts for
adults in the evening.
Neskaupstaður, neistaflug.is
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BIG SUMMER
BREAK
BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR.
PHOTOS BY PÁLL STEFÁNSSON.