Sankthans in Mandal by Kanelstrand

Thursday, 16th July 2009

Sankthans in Mandal

by Kanelstrand

On June 23rd Norway celebrates Sankthans – a mysterious, magical night in Norway: the longest day of the year, when in many parts of the country the sun doesn’t set, and the coast is lit everywhere with huge bonfires that can be seen from far out at sea.
All along the coast in the south of the country, friends and family gather around huge bonfires, grilling and drinking, swimming in the sea and drying on land. Others set forth in boats, anchoring on little islands and setting up their own bonfires, which complement the beacons along the coast.

Kanelstrand

Photos

11 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 4:22 am
I have read of this event, but yours is the first photo I’ve seen. The contrasting warm pink of the sky and the cool blue of the rocks seem to meet and blend in the water. Your choice of diagonal composition and long exposure add wonderful movement, pulling the viewer into the scene. Thanks for sharing such a magical moment!
Anurag Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 6:41 am
That’s a magical shot, such shots are the reason why I come to the site everyday.
su Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Thank you for the history behind the shot, its fasinating. Love the colours.
Pauline Jones Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 8:36 am
This must be an amazing sight; thanks for sharing.
Malta Photography Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Very nice action shot indeed. Although most of it is blurred it gives a very good sensation of movement.
venus Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Nice colours and framing, I like the curves/lines. thanks for the info, would never have known about it otherwise. Must be an amazing time and place to be, would love to visit their festivities someday.
Renee Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Very neat shot well done!
Kirk Jordan Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Splendid, I have seen lots of blurry cars in my life, but this must be a really long exposure to capture that kind of blur with river traffic. Magical.
Mesquite Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Great story, sounds fun. Nice shot, but I only see one bon fire in the picture. I would love to see a picture of the coast with many bon fires.
mike Says:
July 16th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
The sky color is incredible.
Julianne Richman Says:
July 17th, 2009 at 3:51 am
An amazing sight. Thanks for sharing the story. The contrasting colours are quite beautiful.