Halloween, or ‘Hrekkjavaka’ in Icelandic, is a relatively new tradition in Iceland, having only recently gained widespread popularity. Though the holiday is not officially recognized, it has become a fun occasion for children and adults alike to dress up, decorate their homes, and embrace the spooky atmosphere. This American import is celebrated on October 31st, and every year it gains more traction among Icelanders, blending international traditions with Icelandic quirks.
While Halloween has long been popular in the United States and other Western countries, its influence in Iceland is more recent. Over the past few decades, particularly through media and globalization, Icelanders have embraced the holiday. Though it is not deeply rooted in Icelandic culture, children in particular have taken to the idea of dressing up in costumes, often as scary characters such as ghosts, witches, or zombies, and participating in trick-or-treating. The appeal of candy, costumes, and a fun night out has made Halloween an exciting time for families. In Iceland, adults have also started to join in the fun. The playful Icelandic term Hallóvín (a pun that means “Hello wine”) highlights the growing popularity of Halloween parties for older generations. These gatherings often include costume competitions, spooky-themed food and drinks, and social events in homes or bars, particularly in urban areas like Reykjavík. Hallóvín has become an excuse for both adults and children to engage in lighthearted fun, with many embracing the chance to express creativity through elaborate costumes and decorations. Although Halloween may not be as deeply embedded in Icelandic traditions as other holidays, the commercial side has taken off. In late October, pumpkins, spooky decorations, and costumes start appearing in stores across the country. Grocery stores sell jack-o’-lanterns, while specialized shops and supermarkets stock Halloween-themed items like candy, masks, and costumes. Many Icelandic families carve pumpkins and decorate their homes with cobwebs, skeletons, and other Halloween motifs, adding a touch of eerie excitement to the dark, chilly Icelandic nights. While Halloween is growing in popularity, it does not replace Iceland’s own traditional celebrations. Iceland has its own dress-up holiday, Öskudagur, which takes place in February. On this day, children dress in costumes and visit businesses, singing songs in exchange for candy, similar to trick-or-treating. Halloween is distinct from Öskudagur, but both holidays share the fun spirit of dressing up and collecting treats, making them complementary rather than conflicting celebrations.
