Have you been to Þorrablót?

A traditional Þorrablót in Iceland is a midwinter festival that celebrates the old Norse tradition and involves feasting, drinking, and honoring the old Viking ways. It usually takes place in January or February, during the month of Þorri in the Old Norse calendar.

Here’s what typically happens at a Þorrablót:

1. Food: The highlight of the event is the traditional Icelandic food, known as Þorramatur. This includes a variety of preserved foods that would have been eaten during the harsh winter months, such as dried fish, cured meats, pickled ram’s testicles (svið) and fermented shark (hákarl), as well as rye bread and butter. Many people find these foods unusual or challenging to eat, but they're an integral part of the tradition.

2. Drinking: Traditionally, people drink Brennivín, a local schnapps often referred to as "black death," which is made from fermented grain or potato and flavored with caraway. It’s often consumed to wash down the rich and heavy foods. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are also common.

3. Music and Singing: Folk songs and traditional music are often part of the celebration. Icelandic people enjoy singing old songs, some of which go back centuries, as they celebrate and tell stories about Iceland's past.

4. Telling Stories and Remembering the Old Ways: Þorrablót is a time for storytelling, and many people will reminisce about Icelandic history, mythology, and Viking heritage. It's not only about food and drink but about maintaining and passing on cultural traditions.

5. Community Gathering: Þorrablót is typically a community or family event. People come together to bond, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company, often with a sense of pride in their heritage.

In Rangárþing eystra there are six Þorrablót from the 24th of January to the 22nd of February: