Perhaps the most striking thing you will find in Iceland is that people have little houses like gnomes outside their homes. Well yes they are. Many Icelanders believe in these little hidden people called "huldufólk". Many claim to have seen them and there is even a museum dedicated to them. They are deeply rooted in tradition, to the point of having halted construction projects because they are close to the rocks - where they are believed to live. Skepticism and ridicule are very offensive.
Beyond that unique tradition, Icelanders have the same customs as Europe. Casual clothing is very common. Punctuality is not his strong point, it is normal to arrive up to 15 minutes later and at parties or meetings up to 1 hour. Icelanders may seem a bit harsh - in fact when they speak English it is common to hear them say risque words - but they are very friendly and helpful. Tips are not imposed. Only one is given for exceptional service.
As a country with strong Viking roots, many of the festivals of this town have been kept. From mid-January to mid-February the ancient Thor month. During this time there are dances and a lot of traditional food.
They also have Christian traditions that differ from the rest of the world. During Ash Wednesday, people (especially children) secretly hang bags of ashes on you. In addition, the children go trick-or-treating, but without costume. The Christmas it's very different. Instead of waiting for Saint Nicholas, they wait for 13 goblin spirits — each of them does a “mischief,” like slamming a door or peeking out a window). Each spirit stays one day and leaves a gift in the shoes of those who leave them near the windows.
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