Vagar

Olavsoka

This is a 3-day annual celebration of the conversion of the Faroe Islands to Christendom.  Never mind that it was done by force, and with the threat of death if you refused.  It is a grand affair with parades, singing and dancing.  They also have competitions and rides.  It feels a little like the 4th of July crossed with a state fair.  Most people wear the national costume if they have one.  Annika wore mine, Danielle wore a borrowed one, and Bear wore a modern variation, since the costume is expensive, will only fit him once, and we could find no male relatives with one to borrow.

My babies!

The Parade.

Getting ready for the speed boat trip.

Singing on Vagli (town center) at midnight.
The capital usually has 10,000 inhabitants,
but for Olavsoka, it about doubles.
The news stated that about 10,000 were
present here for the singing and dancing.

Gay Pride Parade

Friday July 20, 2012, we participated in the Gay Pride Parade to support family members and friends in their efforts to make gay okay.  After walking from the football fields to the town square (Vagli), we listened to several live acts and speakers.  Afterward, we had dinner at a pub, and dessert at a coffee shop.  The girls got caught in the rain, and showed up, completely drenched, just after we got to Beinta's house.  Thankfully, the rain had eased up a bit by the time we had to run to the bus stop to get back to Velbastad.  Ask me about my new favorite coffee next time I see you.  Called a Greenland Coffee, it sort of defies online description, but is highly reminiscent of the northern lights.

We Love Everyone