Mayor of Reykjavík Jón Gnarr presided over the launch of the “Christmas Creatures of Reykjavík” event which is already delighting children of all ages in Reykjavík city centre and nearby Laugardalur.
(From a City of Reykjavík press release) Christmas Creatures of Reykjavík is a special project designed for the City of Reykjavík by Hafsteinn Júlíusson. The aim of the project is to create an inspiring experience in the city during the Christmas season through promoting Icelandic folklore and connecting locals and visitors in Reykjavík through stories and conversations.
Icelandic folklore tells about many Christmas creatures, amongst them the thirteen Christmas Lads, sons of ogres Grýla and Leppalúði, and the Christmas cat. They live in the mountains but come to town during Advent and perform all sorts of mischief.
Seven Christmas creatures will be located around Reykjavik city centre and in Laugardalur Valley for the next few weeks. Each Christmas creature has its dedicated area and appears in the form of images projected onto different buildings in the city. Grýla, the ogress and mother of the Christmas Lads, will for example make herself comfortable on a rooftop at Bankastræti 11 in the city centre. Each creature is accompanied by a sign explaining its characteristics. Digital snow will also be projected onto buildings in the city, for example the Dómkirkjan cathedral at Austurvöllur square.
Attractions in Laugardalur Valley will also offer a cosy atmosphere in the run up to Christmas with decorations, music, refreshments and events according to the season, including a special exhibition and happenings related to the Christmas cat in the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo.
Enthusiastic locals and visitors can take part in the “Hunt for the Christmas Creatures” competition by locating all of these strange beings around town and answering relevant questions about them on a special Christmas map for a chance to win a prize.
More information at VisitReykjavik.is