Reykjavik
New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík
January 2006
Photographed in 2006, Reykjavík’s New Year’s Eve celebrations combined neighborhood bonfires, a nationally watched television satire, and fireworks launched across the capital area.
Reykjavík does not organize a single municipal fireworks display. Instead, individuals set off fireworks throughout the evening, creating a dispersed display that intensifies around midnight. At approximately 10:30 p.m., activity briefly subsides while many people watch RÚV’s annual Áramótaskaupið, a satirical review of the year’s news and public events.
Bonfires, known as áramótabrennur, are held in neighborhoods earlier in the evening. These photographs also document the fireworks from Öskjuhlíð, a 61-meter-high hill near central Reykjavík with broad views across the city and surrounding landscape.
Current Context
Fireworks in Iceland are regulated by date, category, and age. They may generally be used from 28 December through 6 January, with extended overnight use permitted on New Year’s Eve. Reykjavík continues to authorize community bonfires each year, subject to weather and safety conditions.
