Iceland was an uninhibited landmass until the second half of the ninth century, when settlers from Norway and elsewhere sailed across the Atlantic ocean and inhabited the place. A former colony of Denmark, Iceland became an independent nation in 1944. "Icelandic traditions" were pivotal in constructing the national identity which played a big part in the fight for independence. While the Icelandic language and sagas became emblematic of Icelandic traditions, some heritages — such as music — did not receive the same level of recognition.

In this showcase, we reflect on how the "settlers" became the "dwellers,” Icelandic traditions, and how these were constructed and reinforced. Featuring both Icelanders and non-Icelanders, we also examine the way Icelandic traditions are perceived through the eyes of "people from somewhere else", and vice-versa.