1

Preservation of their language and culture was of great importance to the Icelandic immigrants when they arrived in Manitoba 1875 and the Icelandic Festival is an example of how the traditions and language have been successfully preserved to this day. Icelandic poetry and music have been mainstays of the Icelandic Festival since its inception. Icelandic handcrafts such as sweaters knit from the wool of Icelandic sheep, jewellry inspired by the volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland, books, photographs and memorabilia from Iceland can be found the many unique shops in Gimli and at the street vendors booths that arrive by the dozens for the weekend. These items are brought to the Icelandic Festival by people of Icelandic descent from across Canada and from visiting Icelandic nationals. The Icelandic language can be heard spoken here and there in Gimli for the duration and at the traditional program speakers and choirs deliver thier speeches and entertainment in both English and Icelandic.

Traditional Icelandic Food has always been a significant part of the Icelandic festival since its inception when friends and family gathered for a cup of strong Icelandic coffee and Icelandic specialites. Visitors at the Festival today can visit Amma's Kitchen where they can still enjoy a cup of coffee and sample homemade Icelandic favorites including: vinarterta, ponnukokur, kleinur, hangikjot, rulla pylsa, mysostur, skyr and hard fish (dried fish). These foods are eaten regularly in Iceland today and are served in the homes of Canadians of Icelandic descent on most special occassions.

2

Viking Village
Gimli, Manitoba, Canada

3

Viking Village
August 6, 2004
Gimli, Manitoba, Canada

4

Viking Village
August 6, 2004
Gimli, Manitoba, Canada