A traditional bonfire was held in Iceland’s Westfjords on Saturday evening, the last day of the holiday season. People dressed up as elves and danced in groups.
The towns Ísafjördur and Bolungavík take turns in hosting the January 6 bonfire. This year it took place in Bolungavík and the bonfire was well attended, despite ice cold wind and drifting snow. RÚV reports.
A lot of work is put into organizing the bonfire. Traditionally the elf king and queen visit the scene on horses and Grýla, the troll mother of the thirteen yule lads, drops by. A number of elves follow and even the Prince of Darkness himself shows up. This year Satan was portrayed by the town mayor and his wife played the part of Grýla.
A few yule lads said hello to the children before hiking back to the mountains. January 6 is known as Threttándinn, or “The Thirteenth”, which is the day the last of the 13 yule lads returns to his home.
After the visit of magical creatures and elf dancing, rescue service Ernir in Bolungavík used their remaining fireworks from New Year’s Eve for an explosive end to the bonfire.
