Halloween across the city
Halloween is tomorrow, and the holiday has become an established tradition, with events scheduled across the city to celebrate.
Children and adults across Iceland have embraced the tradition of wearing colorful, often frightening costumes on Halloween.
Monsters, vampires and other mysterious creatures creep from their dark hiding places to frighten anyone they encounter, often knocking on doors to ask for treats.
Eerie decorations adorn houses and greenery, while carved pumpkins light up the darkness.
The Greenhouse at Lækjartorg is decked out for Halloween, with events taking place at multiple locations to mark the occasion.
A Celtic tradition
With Celtic origins, Halloween is celebrated each year on Oct. 31, the day before All Saints' Day, which honors the church's martyrs.
People in Ireland and Scotland traditionally placed candles inside carved turnips or rutabagas on Halloween. Young people and adults alike went from house to house in costumes and masks, often playing tricks along the way.
When Irish and Scottish immigrants came to America in the 19th century, they brought Halloween with them. Over time, pumpkins replaced turnips in Halloween celebrations across the United States and most other places.
Trick or treat
Halloween events will take place throughout Reykjavík. Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo will host spooky activities, Reykjavík Botanic Garden will hold an art workshop on Halloween, and public libraries will offer Halloween workshops.
Events are taking place in neighborhoods across the city, and residents can now mark their homes on a map to let others know they are offering treats in exchange for a good trick. Spooky decorations are everywhere, carved pumpkins often sit by front doors, and residents themselves dress in eerie costumes.
Remember to stay safe, dress for the weather and have a frighteningly good time!
Halloween in the neighborhoods:
Halloween in Langholt and Vogar
Halloween events:
Halloween at Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo
Halloween workshop at Reykjavík Botanic Garden
Halloween at Ásmundarsafn Museum
Halloween map – hrekkjavaka.boo
