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Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival

Iceland - from 09/02/2012 to 12/02/2012

Icelanders are supposedly the happiest people on earth, based on ratings of social and economic factors and now they've got even more cause to celebrate, with the coming of the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival in February 2012.

The annual event marks the coming of more light into the city, after an extended period of darkness. The theme is "Amazing Darkness" and the festival runs from 9 to 12 February. Moreover, this year is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights, due to the Solar Maximum. Essentially, this means that sunspot activity is at its height, which produces solar flares; these then hit the earth's atmosphere create the Aurora Borealis. The Solar Maximum only occurs about every 11 years.

However, getting back to the city lights, the festival's program is diverse, with a mixture of entertainment, art, sports, history and culture on offer. Highlights include 10 February, which is Museum Night, where Reykjavik's museums stay open until midnight. The following day is International Children's Day, and there will be a range of art workshops for young ones at Gerđuberg culture centre. Also on 11 February is Pool Night, where 3 of the city's largest geothermally heated pools are open until midnight. A number of artists are asked to perform in the pools, including dancers and live bands. Old photos from Reykjavik are even projected onto walls. Other notable occurrences include snow sled racing and a Ju Jitsu show. The opening act on 9 February will be by the winner of the electric sculpture contest. All events are free of charge.

The festival is mostly aimed at those aged between 14 and 25, although it is appreciated by everybody. Side-by-side, tourists and locals enjoy the yearly event. Designed to enliven city life in midwinter, there is certainly no reason not to pay Reykjavik a visit this February!

 Iceland

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