WF05 - Viking festival

Información Detallada

Project and location Hafnarfjörður is a town with the populations of 23.500 people. It is located 10 km away from the capital, Reykjavík. Hafnarfjörður takes its name (meaning Harbour-fjord) from the area‘s excellent natural harbour. The town is first named in the medieval "Book of Settlements," and the earliest reports of voyages to Hafnarfjörður date from the end of the 14th century. Today, Hafnarfjörður is one of the nation‘s largest fishing centres and the site of Iceland‘s first fish wholesalers‘ auction market.
Hafnarfjördur is famous for having one of Iceland’s largest settlements of elves, dwarves and other mystical beings, which are usually called ‘Hidden Folk.’ Centuries-old folklore has it that whole clans of such beings reside in the rocks that make up part of the town’s centre. We do not doubt this at all. Though elves are visible only to those with second sight, a great many Icelanders believe in their existence. Indeed, there is much evidence to support this belief, as stories abound of instances where new roads or housing developments were under construction and strange happenings took place. Hidden Folk enjoy a certain regard, and nowhere more so than in Hafnarfjördur. There is even a Hidden Worlds tour that takes you to their home sites, stopping at places like Hellisgerdi Park and the base of the cliff Hamarinn, which is said to be home to the Royal Family of the Hidden Folk. Along the way, the guide relates ancient folk tales of the magical hidden worlds and describes how the town grew and developed in harmony with the Hidden Folk. More info http://www.hafnarfjordur.is/english/
The Vikings settled Iceland around 874 AD and the Icelanders are very proud of those brave people who had the courage to start a life here in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. In Hafnarfjörður there is a small Viking village were the workcamp will take place. During the annual Viking Festival modern-day Icelanders and Vikings from abroad celebrate their heritage with appropriate style. The Vikings‘ wild and adventurous spirit lives on today, in the people of this unique country. The event is a lot of fun; there are displays of ancient arts and crafts, and large gruff men in full Viking attire demonstrate their ancient battle skills to anyone brave enough to challenge them. More info http://www.fjorukrain.is/fjorukrain/en/
Work: The volunteers will help with the preparation of the festival, the festival itself and after it has finished. During the festival all volunteers will receive Viking costumes to wear and perform different tasks. Different types of tasks will be performed as control at the venues, assistance to visitors, and help the other Viking volunteers in the kitchen or serving the meals.
The festival will start on June 13th and last until June 17th. Apart from our WF Vikings there will be around 120 more Viking volunteers coming from all around the world! A big collection of artists will be at the Festival: warriors, bowmen, wrestlers, woodcarvers, stonemasons, blacksmiths, storytellers and enchantresses, musicians and magicians. The working hours are not completely fixed and they will be flexible according to the busy and relaxed hours of the festival.
Leisure time: Excursions and free time activities will be arranged for volunteers. The volunteers will have a free access to the local swimming pool.
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a local community center with the other Vikings, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. After the festival the volunteers will be hosted in a house near to the area.
Don’t forget to bring a warm sleeping bag
Food: The volunteers will have all the meals provided and cooked by our hosts in the Viking community.
Language: English is the language in the camp, but high level is not required.
Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. – distance from the airport 35 km.
Extra: Xtra participation fee EUR 120,-