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Halloween at Reykjaviks' Open Air Museum 31 Oct.
Halloween will be held at the Árbær Open Air Museum on Sunday 31 October from 18:00-20:00.
Visit the museum and find out about the fascinating customs of this ancient Celtic tradition, and, you never know, you might come across a few lost, old spirits wandering around the grounds.
Admission is free for children (up to 17 years old), disabled people, and Reykjavík Culture Card holders, others pay ISK 1,800. An adult must accompany kids 12 years or younger. Those who scare easily might want to bring someone too. The programme starts at 18:00 and runs until 20:00.
P.s. Please notice that we have limited parking places so we suggest you come walking or by bus. See www.bus.is.
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Ghost Studies I (for younger children) | 18:15 | Landakot |
| Introduction to Ghost Studies I (for older children) | 19:00 | Landakot |
| mask workshop | 18-20 | The Granary |
| Bonfire and fire dance | 19:30 | The football field |
| Witchcraft in the area | 18-20 | The museum area & Garðastræti |
| Blacksmith | 18-20 | Eldsmiðjan |
| Trick & Treat houses | 18-20 | Kleppur, Kjöthús, Miðhús, Skrúðshús og Þingholtsstræti |
| Tresure hunt | 18-20 | ask for it in Lækjargata house |
| Photo booth | 18-20 | Líkn |
Halloween has seen somewhat of a revival across Europe in the past few years, with many museums celebrating the event with great success. According to both old Nordic traditions and Celtic folklore, Halloween marks the start of the old New Year's Eve or Winter's Eve and the end of summer, which was celebrated with much gratitude for a good harvest and hopes for future prosperity.
All Hallows' Day, celebrated on 1 November, was the most sacred festival of the Catholic Church in Iceland. According to Grágás (The Grey Goose Laws), farmers were obliged to help the poor and give them food. The day before, which was initially known in English as All Hallows' Eve, evolved, and together with Samhain, it merged into Halloween – a famous festival celebrated throughout the British Isles. As a result of its extensive cultural influence, it's now celebrated in many countries worldwide.
Samhain (summer's end) is the name of the ancient Celtic festival celebrated from 31 October – 1 November. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, or the dark part of the year. During Samhain, people lit bonfires and dressed up in costumes to protect themselves from supernatural beings and spirits. People went from door to door in costume with turnip lanterns reciting verses in exchange for food. This festival is now known as Halloween or hrekkjavaka in Icelandic.