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YEAR ROUND

Museums - Visual art has always been a beloved form of expression for the Icelander. Reykjavik is home to more than a dozen museums and art galleries, and there are over 50 more throughout the rest of the country. Icelandic artists draw their inspirations from their extraordinary surroundings as well as the ancestral culture of their homeland. www.visitreykjavik.is

Icelandic Theater - Soak up local culture at one of the many theaters in Iceland including The National Theater, which brought audiences to their feet with their 50th anniversary celebration in 2000. Performances this year promise to be four-star. Reykjavik also offers another full time Theater Company performing at The Reykjavik City Theater.

The National Theater: (+354) 551-1200, fax: 551-1204, www.leikhusid.is , e-mail: [email protected].

Icelanders go in for Christmas in a big way, with the 13 separate Santa Clauses (Yuletide Lads) who play pranks and sing in the beautifully lit streets.

Iceland is also a treat for grownups in the beginning of December when restaurants around the country lay out their lavish "Christmas Buffets." These smorgasbords become quite extravagant in their content and presentation because of the fierce competition between the restaurants for the holiday business. The Christmas buffets carry traditional Icelandic goodies such as succulent lamb, Hangikjot (smoked lamb), venison, goose and other game bird, fresh seafood, and laufabraud (deep-fried paper-thin bread). The dessert tables overflow with Christmas cookies, kleinur (fried dough), delicate tortes and cream-laden cakes. Calorie counting is not recommended.

Another Christmas tradition in Iceland is when people make up for the short days and long nights by lighting up the community with thousands of Christmas lights. For as far as the eye can see twinkling lights illuminate the scenery into a winter wonderland.

New Year's Eve (December 31) - New Year's Eve is always a special celebration in Iceland when the entire nation goes all out with community bonfires, house parties, club outings, and fireworks that fill the night sky.

Thorrablot (January 18 - February 16, 2004) - When Vikings sat down for their annual midwinter feast, it wasn't exactly tea and crumpets time. Vikings celebrated February - the fourth month of winter - with plenty of dancing and singing and hearty Viking-sized meals of Slatur - sheep's blood pudding rolled in lard and sewn up in the stomach. They consumed half-boiled lamb's heads called Svid, seal flippers, rotten shark, and scarfed our personal favorite, pickled ram's testicles. While these delicacies are not part of the normal everyday diet of Icelanders, visitors and locals alike can eat like a Viking during special events in February in restaurants, homes, and community centers throughout Iceland. Visit Iceland in February; it is well worth experiencing.

Bolludagur or "Buns Day" (February 23, 2004) - Iceland celebrates two holidays in February that seem to revolve simply around the consumption of delicious foods with guiltless abandonment. Two days before Lent is known as Bolludagur or "Buns Day." Homes, restaurants and particular bakeries, overflow with delicately made cream puffs or "buns". These "buns" come in all different shapes and sizes, filled with cream, jam, and sometimes drizzled in chocolate. Children especially love Bun Day because they get to wake up early and try to catch their parents still in bed. If they do, they "beat" them out of bed with their individually made Bolluvondur or "Bun Wands," which are colorfully decorated with strips of paper and gleaming ribbon. The parents are then obligated to give their children one cream puff for every "blow" received.

Sprengidagur or " Bursting Day" (February 24, 2004) - Iceland celebrates two holidays in February that seem to revolve simply around the consumption of delicious foods with guiltless abandonment. During the second day of this tradition on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Lent) every Icelandic home and most restaurants flood with the aroma of Saltkjot og baunir or salted-meat and peas. The name of the Sprengidagur refers to the idea that the individual feasts on this hearty dish to the point of bursting.

"Oskudagur" or Ash Wednesday (February 25, 2004) - Ash Wednesday is celebrated in Iceland with a unique custom that is very entertaining for children. Ashes are collected into small bags known as "Oskupokar" or Ash Bags. As a prank, these bags are secretly pinned onto people's clothing. The day is also marked with children singing and parading around the streets and shops, begging for treats.

Festival of Light (Feb 19- 22, 2004) - Dedicated to the theme of light and energy, an exciting public festival centered around Laugardalur park in Reykjavik. www.visitreykjavik.is

Beer Day (March 1st every year) - This celebrated event began on March 1st, 1989 when a 75 year long prohibition of beer was lifted. Highly festive celebrations are held at pubs, restaurants, and clubs all around Reykjavik. Held in restaurants and bars throughout Reykjavik. www.visitreykjavik.is

Iceland Food & Fun Festival (Feb 18 - 23, 2004) - This week long festival of special promotions at restaurants and bars brings to light achievements of chefs and brew masters, as well as manufacturers of Icelandic gourmet products such as caviar, shrimp, lamb and cheese. In restaurants and bars throughout Reykjavik.

Trout Fishing Season (April - September) - Anglers from all over the world have long sought out the unusually fresh lakes and rivers of Iceland. Fishing permits may be purchased at short notice in numerous rivers and lakes. For further information, please contact The National Angling Association: Bolholt 6, IS-105 Reykjavik, Tel: (+354) 553-1510, fax: 568-4363, e-mail: [email protected] or visit the website at www.angling.is.

Easter (April 8-12, 2004) - At Eastertime in Iceland those with a sweet tooth are definitely welcome! Children and even grownups are treated with traditional Icelandic chocolate Easter eggs or Paskaegg, which are made in Iceland. What is so special about each Easter egg is that it is more than just a hollowed out piece of chocolate. The egg, which varies in size from very tiny to colossal, is stuffed with yummy candy and a slice of Icelandic wit and wisdom. This fortune-cookie-like wisdom, or Malshatt, comes in the form of some 400 proverbs based on folklore, history and homilies. Children of all ages look forward to reading their Easter proverbs, which range from warnings against gluttony and greed to light-hearted versions of "home is where the heart is." On Easter Sunday churches throughout the land fill with families dressed in their Easter finery, followed by the traditional meal of roasted Icelandic lamb served with rhubarb jelly and sugar-browned potatoes. Easter Monday is also an official holiday in Iceland commonly celebrated by families getting together for outdoor fun and relaxation.

First Day of Summer (April 22, 2004) - Celebration with parades, sporting events and organized entertainment, held in various locales around Iceland. After a long winter, it's nice to have summer come early. Iceland is the only country in the world, which celebrates the arrival of summer. www.visitreykjavik.is

SPRING

Puffin Season (May) - Bird watchers and nature lovers alike flock every spring to the Westmann Islands (20 miles south of Iceland) to view the return of the Puffin, or Lundi in Icelandic, from its long winter at sea. During this time millions of Puffins, the clowns of the sea, return to nest with their life-mates, and lay eggs.

Reykjavik Arts Festival (May 14 - 31, 2004) - Since 1970, Iceland’s premier cultural festival has been bringing together the best in local and international entertainment. The Reykjavik Art Festival’s program offers a variety of selected exhibitions, concerts, dance, theater and opera performances. Along with its focus on Icelandic culture past and present, the festival hosts many outstanding international artists and performers. The Festival will be held annually starting this year, so join us for the start of this grand tradition. Click here for more information.

Salmon Fishing Season (June - September) - Clean air and water are two of Iceland's major natural resources, both crucial reasons why there is a rich and proud tradition for producing some of the world's most delicious salmon. Salmon fishing in Icelandic rivers is in great demand, so it is advisable to book at least 2-3 months in advance. For further information, please contact The National Angling Association: Bolholt 6, IS-105 Reykjavik, Tel: (+354) 553-1510, fax: 568-4363, e-mail: [email protected] or visit the website at www.angling.is.

SUMMER

Light Nights (June - August, 2004) - A live theater and audiovisual presentation based on Icelandic Sagas, historical events, folklore and music through the ages. Performed in English. Shows every day except Sunday at 9pm in Reykjavik at the Tjarnarbio Theater. Contact: (+354) 561-0280, fax: (+354) 561-0210.

Summer Solstice (June 21) - Gatherings around Reykjavik to celebrate the magic of the midnight sun on the longest day of the year.

Midnight Golf in Iceland - The Iceland Open (June 23-26, 2004)
Did you ever consider playing golf in Iceland? How about teeing off at midnight with the sun still shining? If you would rather be playing golf than going to sleep, then you belong at the Amstel Light Iceland Open in Reykjavik, Iceland. The tournament will be played on two golf courses near Reykjavik: the Reykjavik Golf Club and the Keilir Golf Club in Hafnarfjordur. For more information click here.

Arctic Open International Golf Tournament (June 23-26, 2004) - Tee-off, internationally, and participate in the Arctic Open International Golf Tournament. This four-day 36-hole championship battle of the clubs, is open to professionals and scratch players alike. No matter what your handicap, you won't be able to beat the venue, chipping among the par-for-the-course view of the majestic snow-capped mountains surrounding the event's sponsor, northern Iceland's Akureyri Golf Club. Play through the night and watch the midnight sun set. Contact Akureyri Golf Club: (+354) 462-2974, fax: 461-1755, www.arcticopen.is, e-mail: [email protected].

The Icelandair Horse Festival 2004, will be held at Hella in the Rangarvellir region of South Iceland, June 28th - July 4th. The Icelandair Horse Festivals - Landsmot are unique occasions: a climax and celebration for the Icelandic horse. One becomes caught up in the moment, as superb horses and riders demonstrate their capabilities during a wide variety of competition and show events. Many a sprint will be unforgettable, and remain as a clear vision dear to the memories of onlookers. Moreover, the Icelandair Horse Festival is a reunion where old friends and acquaintances meet to enjoy a common interest. For more information click here.

Laugavegur Marathon (July 2004) - The race begins in Landmannalaugar and finishes at Husadalur, Thorsmork. The "Laugarvegur" course is one of the most beautiful in Iceland, stretching from Landmannalaugar in the highlands to Thorsmork, a natural reservation area. The total distance of the race is 34 miles (55-km). www.toto.is/rmar.

Reykholt Music Festival (July 26-28, 2004) - "Classical music ina classic environment" in the beautiful church at the west Iceland site where saga writer Snorri Sturluson lived.

Flight of the Puffling (August) - A sight not to be missed in August is the flight of the puffling, when millions of baby puffins leave their nests for the very first time to test their wings. This takes place in the Westmann Islands that were a temporary home for the most famous whale in the world, Keiko, from the "Free Willy" movies. Keiko, who was transported to a seapen in Klettsvik Cove in September of 1998.

Verslunnarmannahelgi or Labor Day Weekend. (July 31 - August 2, 2004) - It's the Icelandic version of Labor Day Weekend in the States. This is one of the world's largest block parties, as Icelanders by the thousands drive to camp-out in the wilderness or celebrate in numerous organized events throughout the country -- sort of like what Generation X'ers do every summer weekend when they head for the Hamptons. There are tons of things to do, ranging from small parties to outdoor rock fests. No contact info is necessary. If you are lucky enough to be in Iceland at this time, you'll know what to do and where to go. Icelanders will make sure you are welcome.

September is Cultural Festival Time. Every year Reykjavik hosts a Film Festival. Actually, September is not the only time for film lovers, since there's a festival of short films in Reykjavik every spring. www.visitreykjavik.is

Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (October 20-24, 2004) - The third annual international Iceland Airwaves, the world's most innovative music festival, sponsored by Icelandair, will rock Reykjavik in October. Thousands of fans from around the globe are expected to groove to cutting-edge tunes from alternative artists from both sides of the Atlantic. The highlight takes place with a spectacular show of renowned international artists. Take advantage of Icelandair Holidays special packages for the event from Boston, New York (JFK), and Baltimore/Washington (BWI), starting from $499; add $50 from Minneapolis,/St. Paul, and inquire about packages from Orlando. Packages include round-trip air, hotel accommodations for two-nights, transfers, breakfast and a festival pass. Additional information is available at: www.IcelandAirwaves.com or call Icelandair Holidays at (800) 779-2899; e-mail: [email protected].

Reykjavik Iceland Jazz Festival (September 29 - October 3, 2004) - Final preparations for this year's festival are well under way. As always the emphasis is on offering a line-up of jazz artists from all over the world covering the various genre of the jazz sphere. Look for further news and information on their website www.reykjavikjazz.com or subscribe to their newsletter in English for first hand news by auto responder at [email protected].