Everything comes full circle. Halloween has become quite popular in Iceland. Children and adults dress up in costumes, play tricks, and decorate houses and homes. This Celtic tradition from Ireland and Scotland celebrated the harvest being brought in on the last day of October, the day before winter begins on November 1st. The tradition travelled westward across the pond with the Celts and grew significantly. It became a form of cultural export that has taken root and expanded. Icelandic Times visited the Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection at the National Gallery of Iceland, where art and mischief reigned supreme. Several hundred people attended to experience, to trick, and enjoy the treat of being a moon, a witch, or just a monkey before winter sets in.
Reykjavík 31/10/2024: A7R IV – FE 1.8/20mm G
Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
