Kalsoy Island, part of the Faroe Islands
© Swen Stroop/Getty Images Plu
Góða ólavsøku!
The festival known as Ólavsøka spans several days, but officially July 29 is the big day of merrymaking on the Faroe Islands. What exactly are the Faroese people celebrating? Technically, they’re observing the death of Saint Olaf. The Norwegian King Olaf II is said to have died in battle on this day in 1030. A century later, he was sainted by the Catholic church.
Today, the Faroes are an autonomous territory of Denmark, but they have centuries-old ties to Norway, and the Norwegian influence of Faroese culture remains so strong, they celebrate King Olaf II with Ólavsøka—literally translated to ‘Olaf’s wake.’ Clear as the skies over the Faroes, right? The celebration includes a rowing competition, traditional Faroese chain dancing, and music everywhere.
Related Images
The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, in Ireland
Rajgad Fort near Pune, India
Rio Grande and Sierra del Carmen Mountains in Big Bend National Park, Texas
Mua Caves in the Ninh Bình province of Vietnam
The National Wallace Monument overlooking Stirling in Scotland
Path to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain, for the 'Game of Thrones' premiere
Shoreline near Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
The village of Aguerd Oudad and the larger town of Tafraout in Morocco
Bing Today Images
