Town Festivals of Iceland

 

The number of town festivals held in Iceland in the summer has been increasing in recent years. They have become a valued part in the cultural life of many towns and communities in the country.

The stamp motifs are 5 town festivals held across the country. These are; The Reykjavik Gay Parade, Never Been South music festival in Isafjordur, The Great Fish Day in Dalvik, The Smelter music festival in Borgarfjordur eystri and The Vestmannaeyjar National Holiday.

The Reykjavík Gay Parade is held annually in the month of August. This festival originated in the U.S. and is now being held on most summer weekends around the world. The Gay Parade was first celebrated in Iceland in 2000.

Never Been South music festival was first held in Isafjordur in 2004. It is considered a special occasion because of its location and framework. It has had a positive impact on the local community and Isafjordur has renewed its image as music town.

The Great Fish Day is a family festival which is held on the first Saturday after the bank holiday weekend. The aim of the festival is for people to gather together, have fun and enjoy eating fish. The festival offers an array of entertainments.

The Smelter music festival in Borgarfjordur Eystri has over the years established itself as an important link in Iceland’s musical life. Concerts are being held in an old herring factory which the locals convert into a concert hall once a year.

The Vestmannaeyjar National Holiday was first held in 1874. The islands’ Sports Association organizes the holiday which has evolved into one the country’s most ambitious music festival and has never been cancelled due to weather or natural disasters on the islands.