Marking the conclusion of Christmas festivities
Liven Up Your Post-Christmas Vibes in Iceland with Twelfth Night Celebrations!
Ready to continue the holiday cheer? In Iceland, the sixth of January is no ordinary day — it's Twelfth Night, or as the locals call it, Þrettándinn. This unique celebration marks the end of Christmas, and despite the cold, crowds flock together to bid adieu to the festive season.
In the western part of Reykjavik, a popular destination was the Ægissíða bonfire. Sveinn Bjarki, a teacher who led a singing group, shares that the bonfire was exceptionally large this year. The night began at Melaskóli elementary school, where Sveinn led a group in singing, marching down to Ægissíða with torches accompanied by the police. Upon reaching the bonfire site, the Icelandic Yule lads greeted the group and the torches were tossed onto the stake.
The mood was jubilant as people gathered, with a rush of last-minute arrivals ensuring a good-sized group. Tourists added to the mix, joining locals to partake in the festivities. Warm waffles were a popular treat among the attendants, adding a delicious twist to the night.
Every year, the Twelfth Night celebration in the western part of Reykjavik is hosted by the parents' association of the schools in the area. Apart from the bonfire, attendees could enjoy baked waffles and a fireworks display by the local sports club, KR.
Another notable celebration took place in Gufunes, where the singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson performed for the guests. Beyond Reykjavik, bonfires occurred in Akranes, Mosfellsbær, and Djúpivogur, to name a few locations across the country.
A Glance into Icelandic Twelfth Night's Rich History
So, what's the story behind this peculiar tradition? For many European cultures, the Twelfth Night celebrates the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus. In Iceland, Þrettándinn signifies the end of Yule and is tied to folklore, particularly the "Yule Lads" who embody Christmas elves with more mischievous personas.
Over the 13 nights leading to Þrettándinn, Icelanders tell stories of the 13 Yule Lads, each visiting children and either bestowing gifts or playing tricks. The last Yule Lad, who goes by the name of Kertasníkir (or Candle Snuffer), traditionally returns to the mountains on Þrettándinn, signaling the official end of Christmas.
Þrettándinn is mostly about concluding the festive Yule period and preparing for the new year rather than a mass public celebration with bonfires and fireworks, which are more characteristic of other cultural events in Iceland. So gather your friends, family, and maybe even some tourists, to commemorate the Twelfth Night (or Thirteenth Night) in true Icelandic fashion!
- Following the Christmas season, we can celebrate the Icelandic Twelfth Night, also known as Þrettándinn, where locals and tourists gather to bid farewell to the festive Yule period.
- Famous singer Friðrik Dór Jónsson performed at a Twelfth Night celebration in Gufunes, adding a touch of unique Icelandic lifestyle to the event.
- In addition to bonfires and performances, outdoor-living enthusiasts can enjoy waffles and a fireworks display at the Twelfth Night celebrations hosted by the KR sports club.
- The Twelfth Night celebration in Iceland, rooted in folklore, marks the end of Yule and the return of the mischievous Yule Lads, embodying the country's rich home-and-garden traditions.
