Midsummer Festival (Midsamar)

Detail of a stone painting depicting a Viking shipIn ancient times, the Vikings divided the year into 2 parts (summer and winter) and celebrated the beginning of each of the six months. June 21 was considered the beginning of the summer and was celebrated as the longest day of the year.

Over time, the calendar has changed many times and, accordingly, changed the days that were considered the beginning of the seasons, but this day is still one of the main holidays of summer in Iceland and it is the Summer Solstice Festival.

In addition, Icelanders believe that the shortest night of the year has the magical power of healing properties and can cure 19 different diseases.