In Iceland's New Year's Eve tradition, what are the communal outdoor fires called?

In Iceland's New Year's Eve tradition, the communal outdoor fires are called áramótabrennur.

Áramótabrennur are New Year’s Eve bonfires held in communities across Iceland. The Icelandic name combines áramót, meaning the turn of the year, with brenna, meaning a bonfire or burning. People gather around the fires before or during the midnight celebrations.

The bonfires are part of a broader Icelandic New Year tradition that includes fireworks, festive meals, television programs, and visits with family and friends. Reykjavík and other municipalities may organize public fires, while local arrangements and schedules can vary.

These fires are not the same as the smaller symbolic fires associated with other seasonal festivals in Iceland. Iceland’s New Year celebrations are especially known for the huge quantity of fireworks used by the public, while the bonfires provide a communal outdoor focus before the year changes.