The New Year's Eve bonfire tradition practiced in Reykjavík and other parts of Iceland is called brenna.
Icelandic communities traditionally light public bonfires, known as brennur, during the New Year's period. People gather outdoors around the fires, often combining the event with singing, conversation, fireworks, and other local festivities. Reykjavík and communities around the country may host several separate bonfires.
The custom has roots in older winter fire traditions and became associated with symbolic cleansing and the end of the old year. Modern events are organized under safety rules, and their size, location, and schedule can vary between municipalities.
Brenna is not the name of a single national festival or one particular fire. The Icelandic word refers to the bonfire tradition itself, while local celebrations have their own names and organizers. It is also distinct from Þorrablót, a midwinter Icelandic feast held later in the winter month of Þorri.