Gamlársdagur in Iceland
New Year’s Eve is a holiday in Iceland. New Year’s Eve is called Gamlársdagur in Iceland
When is New Year’s Eve in Iceland
New Year’s Eve is celebrated on 31, December, 2023 in Iceland.
About Gamlársdagur in Iceland
Gamlársdagur, also known as Old Year’s Day, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Iceland on December 31st. It is a day dedicated to bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new year.
The name “Gamlársdagur” translates to “Old Year’s Day” in English. It is derived from the combination of two Icelandic words: “gamlár” meaning “old year” and “dagur” meaning “day.”
On Gamlársdagur, Icelanders engage in various customs and traditions to mark the end of the year. One of the most popular traditions is bonfires. People gather around bonfires throughout the country to symbolize the burning away of the old year’s troubles and to purify the upcoming year. These bonfires are often accompanied by singing, dancing, and fireworks.
Another important aspect of Gamlársdagur is the concept of “Áramótaskaup.” It is an annual comedy sketch show that is broadcasted on Icelandic television on the evening of December 31st. The show satirically reflects on the events and people of the past year, providing entertainment and humor to the viewers.
As the clock strikes midnight, Icelanders celebrate the arrival of the new year with fireworks displays. Fireworks are a significant part of the Icelandic New Year’s Eve tradition, and people all over the country light up the sky with colorful displays. The fireworks are not limited to just a few minutes but can last for hours, creating a beautiful spectacle.
After the fireworks, it is customary for families and friends to gather together and enjoy a festive meal. Many Icelanders also exchange gifts and share good wishes for the upcoming year. The celebrations often continue into the early hours of the morning, with people visiting parties or attending public events.
Overall, Gamlársdagur is a joyous holiday in Iceland, filled with traditions, laughter, and anticipation for the new year. It allows people to come together, reflect on the past, and embrace the future with hope and excitement.
History of Gamlársdagur in Iceland
Gamlársdagur, also known as Old Year’s Day, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Iceland on January 6th. The history of this holiday can be traced back to ancient Norse traditions and the influence of Christianity in Iceland.
In Norse mythology, the winter solstice marked the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. This was a time when people believed that the boundaries between the human world and the supernatural world were blurred. It was a time to honor the spirits of the land and ancestors, as well as to ward off evil spirits.
With the arrival of Christianity in Iceland in the 10th century, many pagan traditions were gradually incorporated into Christian celebrations. The winter solstice celebrations were transformed into the Christian holiday of Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
In Iceland, Gamlársdagur became a day to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year. It was a time for family gatherings, feasting, and reflecting on the past year. People would clean their homes and prepare special meals to share with loved ones.
One of the traditional customs associated with Gamlársdagur is the “Þrettándinn” or “Thirteenth Night.” On the evening of January 6th, bonfires are lit in various locations across the country. These bonfires symbolize the burning away of the old year’s troubles and the purification of the new year.
Another popular tradition is the “Þrettándabarn” or “Thirteenth Child.” In some regions of Iceland, a child is chosen to represent the thirteenth child born on Christmas Day. This child is dressed in traditional Icelandic clothing and parades through the streets, singing and receiving treats from neighbors.
In recent years, Gamlársdagur has become a public holiday in Iceland, allowing people to enjoy a day off work and spend time with their families. Many Icelanders take this opportunity to go on outdoor excursions, such as hiking or skiing, to enjoy the winter landscape.
Overall, Gamlársdagur is a holiday that blends ancient Norse traditions with Christian customs, creating a unique celebration in Iceland to mark the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year.
How is New Year’s Eve celebrated in Iceland
Gamlársdagur, also known as Old Year’s Day, is celebrated in Iceland on December 31st. Here are some ways in which it is celebrated:
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Bonfires: Bonfires are lit in various locations across the country. People gather around these bonfires to socialize, sing songs, and enjoy the warmth. The largest bonfire is usually in Reykjavik, where thousands of people come together to celebrate.
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Fireworks: Icelanders love fireworks, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The sky is lit up with colorful displays as people set off fireworks to welcome the new year. It is a grand spectacle, and many families have their own fireworks to enjoy.
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Community Gatherings: Many towns and cities organize community gatherings where people can come together to celebrate. There are often live music performances, dancing, and other entertainment options. These events provide an opportunity for people to socialize and have fun.
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Parties: Like in many other parts of the world, New Year’s Eve parties are quite popular in Iceland. People gather with friends and family to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the new one. These parties often involve music, dancing, food, and drinks.
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Traditional Food: Some traditional Icelandic foods are enjoyed on Gamlársdagur. For example, smoked lamb (hangikjöt) and fermented skate (skata) are popular dishes. Families may also have a feast with various other traditional foods, such as pickled herring, rye bread, and dried fish.
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New Year’s Eve Television Show: A popular tradition in Iceland is watching the New Year’s Eve television show, “Áramótaskaupið.” This comedy sketch show satirizes events and people from the past year. It is a highly anticipated program and often sparks discussions and laughter among viewers.
Overall, Gamlársdagur is a festive and joyous celebration in Iceland, marked by bonfires, fireworks, community gatherings, parties, traditional food, and entertainment. It is a time for Icelanders to come together, bid farewell to the old year, and welcome the new one with hope and excitement.
Dates
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in Iceland on 2023-12-31, 2024-12-31, 2025-12-31, 2026-12-31, 2027-12-31 in the comming years.
