Sixty years of light and friendship: A Christmas tree from Hamburg for Reykjavik
It's almost that time again! On Saturday 29 November at 5 p.m., the Christmas tree in Reykjavik, a gift from Hamburg in Germany, will be lit up for the 60ᵗʰ time. The tree symbolises the decades of friendship between Hamburg and the capital of Iceland. It is a symbol of generosity and gratitude.
Since 1965, a tree has been placed in Reykjavik Harbour every year to show gratitude for the helpfulness of Icelandic sailors. After World War II, these sailors cooked fish soup for hungry children at Hamburg Harbour.
Reykjavik is once again celebrating this tradition with a pre-Christmas programme at Midbakki in the Old Harbour. Visitors can look forward to German Christmas music performed by the Hafnarfjördur Brass Band, a welcome address from the Mayor of Faxafloahafnir and the ceremonial lighting of the tree by the German Ambassador, Clarissa Duvigneau. The Yule Lads (Icelandic: Jólabókarður), legendary Icelandic Christmas figures, will also be in attendance. Fish soup will be served at the end of the event. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Reykjavik during the atmospheric pre-Christmas season and take part in this special event.