Iceland Review Playlist | Songs for Þorrablót

2026-02-01 - 23:09

A Pepsi campaign in the UK reads as follows: “When January feels endddddless, why not make it sweeter.” ​ The longest month in Iceland starts with a slight delay. Called Þorri, the fourth winter month in the Old Norse calendar begins in mid-January and continues till the third week in February. ​ The pinnacle of Þorri is a midwinter festival called Þorrablót, first mentioned in the 13th-century Norse text The Orkneyinga saga. From there, we learn that the celebration is an evening feast where participants enjoy a meal, deliver speeches, and recite poems—all in honour of the Norse god Thor (Þórr), after whom the month of Þorri is named. The term blót, meaning a sacramental feast, underscores the festival’s connection to pre-Christian traditions. Enjoying Strange Food A traditional Þorrablót buffet. Photo: Screenshot via RÚV. The tradition in its present form, however, dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Initiated by the Icelandic student association in Denmark, it was linked to the Independence movement. ​ Naturally, food is an essential part of Þorrablót. In fact, the festival reveals the extreme side of Icelandic cuisine, often challenging even the most adventurous visitors. Let’s take, for example, hrútspungar (sour ram’s testicles) or blóðmör (blood pudding). As you might guess, in the Viking days, midwinter was about surviving on the leftovers from Christmas. These were normally the least savoury bits. ​ Many restaurants serve these meals, so don’t be surprised when you notice peculiar smells upon entering their premises or just passing by. Every city and town in Iceland has its own Þórrablót festivities, accompanied by eating strange food (locals love it), drinking Brennivín and dancing. ​This week’s playlist celebrates the midwinter. Although known as the darkest and coldest time of the year, Þorri can be joyful as well, and Þorrablót is proof of that.