Cloud cover blocked the stars yesterday evening as Reykjavík’s streetlights were turned off in order to enable city residents to have a better view of the sky. In other respects the darkening of Reykjavík went well. The lights were shut off at 10pm sharp in connection with the opening of the Reykjavík International Film Festival, and were turned back on half an hour later. This is reported in all the main media.
Reykjavík residents flocked into the streets to take part in the experience. Yet a slight sense of disappointment prevailed as a result of the cloud cover and also as there was still light visible even with the absence of streetlights. Businesses did not shut off their lights and there was a great deal of traffic on main roads and in the downtown area. Some sports arenas also failed to turn off their floodlights.
Foreign media showed considerable interest in the initiative, including the Washington Post in the US and Aftonbladed in Sweden. Another quirky Iceland story makes good.
