Today is the big day – – Menningarnótt or Culture Night. It is not just a night activity but an entire day packed with over 350 events. It is one of the biggest events in Iceland and officially celebrates the cities birthday. This year is the 17th annual Menningarnótt.
There is something for everyone with the Reykjavík Marathon, garage bands playing all over town, chefs, art exhibitions, street performers, concerts, displays, music, speakers, and lots of waffles and coffee (vöfflukaffi).
The name of the festival this year is, ”Welcome to my town” and many of the residents welcome people into their homes for vöfflukaffi. The grand finale is a huge fireworks display at 11 p.m.
My presentation, “The Love of Iceland in America,” will be at City Hall or Ráðhús at 6 p.m. Thanks to Icelandic National League of North America, Icelandic National League of Iceland, Icelandair, my family, and all the wonderful people who have helped to make this tour happen.
It is a day packed with fun and the weather is fabulous for a day of walking or running the streets of Reykjavík.
Reykjavik City Hall or Ráðhús is a very impressive building. It is located on and also in the pond in central Reykjavík called Tjörn. It is a modern building that is supposed to connect the City Hall with the nature and water of Iceland. It was opened in 1992. There is a Cafe inside and they have lots of exhibitions and galleries within the building. I enjoy looking at the giant map of Iceland.
Best wishes to everyone that is attending and working at the Menningarnótt and a big hello to my family and friends back in North America.