🇮🇸 Iceland's Unique Festivals | Experiencing a Different Christmas &

Iceland, a country brimming with youthful vitality, is in fact one of the centers for classical Nordic culture and cutting-edge global art. Countless cultural and historical festivals take place here every year, showcasing the vibrancy and energy of Icelandic culture. The celebrations for Christmas and New Year are naturally more diverse. Let's virtually experience how Icelanders celebrate these holidays and feel the exotic atmosphere... 📜 Icelandic Christmas Culture Christmas is a grand ceremony in Western countries, and each has its unique traditions. In Icelandic, Christmas is called "jól," which is closer to the meaning of "yule." As Christianity gradually entered Iceland, the original "festival of light" also became connected with Jesus and other customs. 📒 Icelandic Christmas Customs The start of the Icelandic Christmas season begins with the exchange of Bokatidindi (book catalogs) on Christmas Eve. Exchanging books and reading on Christmas Eve is a fine tradition in Iceland, which originated during World War II. Since paper was one of the few unrationed goods and books were abundant, Icelanders could indulge in reading and giving books as gifts. 🥁 Christmas Festival Ambiance Of course, markets are an essential part of the festive spirit—Fleamarket, also known as Kolaportið flea market, is where you can find many items with an Icelandic aesthetic, including exclusive Christmas souvenirs. You can also visit the town of Hafnarfjörður, where you can purchase a variety of Christmas items, catch live music performances, and experience a horse-drawn carriage tour around the town. 🎪 Christmas Specialty Dishes 1⃣ Smoked Meat (Hangikjöt) A classic Christmas dish, somewhat similar to Chinese cured meats, with a strong flavor that can be enjoyed cold or hot, typically served with pancakes, potato sauce, beans, and red cabbage. 2⃣ Cookies (Sara) A dessert with a base of almond cookies and a chocolate cream filling, a must-try Icelandic specialty. Of course, gingerbread cookies, chocolate biscuits, licorice, and other pastries are also available. 💯 New Year's Celebration Customs In Iceland, you can visit the Pearl Lounge and Hallgrimskirkja Church for the best views of the holiday fireworks. For Icelanders, fireworks are a form of spiritual sustenance, representing their support for the Icelandic search and rescue team. As New Year's approaches, people start setting off fireworks, which continue until around January 6th. New Year's is also one of the important festivals they celebrate. #IcelandTravel #UKStudentTravel #UKDeparture #IcelandChristmasMarkets #IcelandNewYear #Fireworks #SpecialtyDishes #ChristmasAmbiance #UKTravel #TravelRecommendations