New Year's Eve in Iceland is one spectacular
celebration. Celebrations start with a dinner, followed by going to bonfires
where people sing traditional Icelandic folk songs accompanied by trolls, elves
and other beings.
It is a good idea to
come to Iceland even some time before Christmas as Icelanders go in for the
celebrations from December 12th when the 13 Yuletide Lads (Door-slammer,
Spoon-licker, Meat Hook, Candle Beggar, and others) arrive from the mountains
bearing food and gifts.
Unglist, the art
festival of young people, has been an annual event in Reykjavik since 1992.
This festival week is packed with a multitude of performers and spectators.
What started as a
showcase for local DJs has evolved into a full-blown, international music
festival that presents the hottest new bands from the USA, Europe and Iceland.
Since its debut in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has hosted Sigur Ros, Quarashi, Suede,
Fat Boy Slim, Ratatat and the Hives to name a few.