Latest news with #HallaTómasdóttir
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Gimli Icelandic Festival celebrates 150th anniversary of New Iceland
Spectators packed the area to witness the ultimate Islendingadunk showdown at the harbour. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News) The term heavenly abode might best describe the scenic lakeside community of Gimli. Over the long weekend, thousands gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first New Iceland settlement during the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. The four-day event featured a parade, tournaments, live music and food. One of the festival's most iconic events was the Islendingadunk, where two participants sat on a wooden pole suspended over water and attempted to knock each other off. Spectators packed the area to witness the lively showdown. 'The Icelandic community in Gimli is very well known in Iceland,' said Sigrun Asmundsson, president of the Icelandic Festival. 'There are many families still in touch with relatives in Iceland from the early settlers. 'We visit them, they visit us — it's always been very strong and held together by the community.' To mark the anniversary, Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir attended the festival, along with Iceland's ambassador to Canada, Hlynur Guðjónsson, and the country's consul general in Winnipeg. Asmundsson told CTV News the focus of the festival was on being family-friendly. 'We worked really hard to make sure that everything is affordable or free,' she said. 'We hope that people from all cultures and parts of Canada and the world come and enjoy themselves — and make wonderful memories of their time in Gimli and of this festival.' She estimated attendance at between 30,000 and 40,000 people.
Japan Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Taste of Iceland Festival to be held in Tokyo on May 30-31
Taste of Iceland, a cultural festival, will be held in Tokyo on May 30-31. The festival invites guests to experience the true essence of Iceland through diverse and exciting events in Tokyo showcasing the best of Icelandic culture, including food, music, literature, art, design and the Northern Lights. Guest of honor at the festival to be held at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo will be Iceland President Halla Tómasdóttir. Attendees also include Icelandic musicians Ásgeir, JDFR and award winning artists, designers, authors and the mayor of Iceland's capital Reykjavík, Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir. Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, ambassador of Iceland in Japan, said: 'Taste of Iceland is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Icelandic culture, right here in Tokyo. From our world-class cuisine to our artistic traditions, this festival showcases the creativity and heritage that define Iceland. Strengthening cultural ties between Iceland and Japan not only deepens mutual understanding but also opens doors for future collaborations. We are delighted to share a taste of Iceland with Japan and invite everyone to experience the essence of our vibrant culture." Most events are free and open to the public. Event tickets are required and are available on the Inspired by Iceland website. © Japan Today
