Today is Menningarnott. Yes, that’s right – Menningarnott! The English translation is Culture Night, but in reality it’s a daylong event.
It is an entirely made-up celebration (no national hero, saint or war to commemorate), just a day and night for taking culture seriously and having fun into the bargain.
The day begins with the Glitnir Reykjavik Marathon – a technically unrelated event; but one which adds to, and benefits from, the day’s festive atmosphere. The race consists of a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10km run and a fun run. The long distance runners set off at 08.40 and the flags and timing clocks are packed away at 15.40 – hopefully after everybody has finished.
For the kids, there’s also the Lazy Town run on the University of Iceland campus. We have it on good authority that Sportacus is determined not to let Robbie Rotten ruin the fun.
The official Culture Night schedule begins at 10.00 and ends at 00.30 with a cosy mass at the cathedral.
All the art galleries will be open overtime (many until midnight); and there will be a huge open-air concert in Miklatun Park from 19.30.
Luck will also be in the air on Culture Night, with Galleri Fold giving away artworks every half hour in a grand free ‘art lottery’, and Listaselid Gallery giving away normal Lotto tickets to everyone just for coming in and having a look round.
There’s something for everyone, but whatever you do, don’t forget the grand fireworks display by the harbour at 23.08. It’s the best fun since New Years!
Also (due to unfortunate timing as much as anything), today is the final day of Rally Reykjavik; meaning many streets will be closed and rally cars will be speeding their way from the countryside to City Hall. Very exciting!
With free dance shows, poetry and even designer hats for the city’s statues, the Culture Night programme extends to eight pages and can be viewed and downloaded at www.visitreykjavik.is.
