Many supermarkets in Reykjavík are running out of pumpkins as more and more Icelanders have started observing the American tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween. Pumpkin sales have been rising slowly in recent years, but this year's pumpkin sales have far outstripped last year, leaving retailers unprepared for Halloween. Some supermarkets have doubled their sale of pumpkins since last year.
According to the National Broadcasting Service RÚV many supermarkets are completely out of pumpkins. The supermarket Fjarðarkaup is completely out of pumpkins, while most Krónan and Hagkaup stores report they have run out of pumpkins. The CEO of the Bónus supermarkets told RÚV that there might still be one or two pumpkins left at some of the stores. We stocked up on big pumpkins, which turned out to be particularly popular. They all sold out over the weekend.
The only supermarket chain which reports they still have plenty of pumpkins in stock is Nettó.
Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31, has been growing in popularity in Iceland in recent years, serving as a second Öskudagur (Ash Wednesday).Traditionally Icelandic children have dressed up in costumes, visiting businesses to sing in exchange for candy, on Ash Wednesday in the spring. Halloween has offered a welcome excuse to dress-up, organize parties and eat candy also during the fall.
While children in some neigbhrohoods have started knocking on doors to ask for candy, most Icelanders celebrate Halloween at home with their family or friends. Halloween dress-up parties have also grown in popularity among many young adults and teens.
Many supermarkets in Reykjavík are running out of pumpkins as more and more Icelanders have started observing the American tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween. Pumpkin sales have been rising slowly in recent years, but this year's pumpkin sales have far outstripped last year, leaving retailers unprepared for Halloween. Some supermarkets have doubled their sale of pumpkins since last year.
According to the National Broadcasting Service RÚV many supermarkets are completely out of pumpkins. The supermarket Fjarðarkaup is completely out of pumpkins, while most Krónan and Hagkaup stores report they have run out of pumpkins. The CEO of the Bónus supermarkets told RÚV that there might still be one or two pumpkins left at some of the stores. We stocked up on big pumpkins, which turned out to be particularly popular. They all sold out over the weekend.
The only supermarket chain which reports they still have plenty of pumpkins in stock is Nettó.
Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31, has been growing in popularity in Iceland in recent years, serving as a second Öskudagur (Ash Wednesday).Traditionally Icelandic children have dressed up in costumes, visiting businesses to sing in exchange for candy, on Ash Wednesday in the spring. Halloween has offered a welcome excuse to dress-up, organize parties and eat candy also during the fall.
While children in some neigbhrohoods have started knocking on doors to ask for candy, most Icelanders celebrate Halloween at home with their family or friends. Halloween dress-up parties have also grown in popularity among many young adults and teens.
