St. Patrick’s Day is long past for the rest of the world, but in the Icelandic seaport of Akranes this weekend, they get a second bite at the shamrock. The festivities celebrate the founding of Akranes by Irish brothers, Þormóður and Ketill Bresasons shortly after 880 CE. Actually, it’s not quite as simple as that. There was already a farmer on the land, but since the Brothers Bresasaons were originally Norse, the man was, erm, asked to leave.
Take a look at the festivities link – the event looks like a proper full-throttled celebration, literally, since the Motorcycle Club of Iceland will be there. In March this year, they were going to be inducted into the Hell’s Angels. That’s what I like about the Icelandic way of doing things, you’ve got beaches, bouncy castles, motorbikes, bands, dancing, and all-night entertainment, rolled up into one festival. There’s also a contest to find the most redheaded Icelander, the winner of which gets a trip to Dublin. Gingers may get made fun of on South Park, but they’re extremely popular in Akranes.
