The northernmost capital of the world, Reykjavik, celebrates New Year's Eve with tradition and loving dedication.
New Year's Eve in Reykjavik is very sanctimonious to the Icelanders. The ceremony begins in the evening with the mass at Reykjavik's Cathedral , which almost every Icelander listens to on the radio. This is followed by dinner.
Áramótaskaupið (English: The New Year's comedy), is an annual Icelandic television comedy special, and is an important part of Icelandic New Year's celebration for most. It focuses upon the recent year from a satirical standpoint, and shows little mercy towards its victims, especially politicians, artists, prominent businesspeople and activists.
Then, in each quarter of the city, neigbors meet at a large bonfire (Icelandic: Brenna) to celebrate the new year in Reykjavik, while watching the numerous fireworks displays over the city.
Later, locals meet in Reykjavik's small downtown area for the party - after all, Reykjavik's nightlife is famous. On this last day of the year in Reykjavik, there is one rule: the colder the temperatures, the hotter the nightlife!
On New Year's Eve in Reykjavik, downtown bars offer live music until at least 5 am.
This article is part of the series New Year's Eve in Scandinavia, where you can find out lots more about New Year's Eve at your destination!
