The Brak Festival is a local celebration held in memory of the bondswoman Thorgerdur Brák who was the foster-nurse of Egil Skallagrímsson, the eponymous hero of Egils Saga.Brák’s selfless action of sacrificing her own life to save that of Egil’s when he was a young boy has won her a special place in the hearts of Icelanders. The town is divided up into areas each with its own colour and there is great friendly rivalry in decorating the houses and streets in their repsective colours. The festival is held on the last Saturday in June and kicks off with a 5 – 10km run – a fun run in which everyone can participate. During the course of the day there are all sorts of entertaining activities including sailing, mud wrestling, Viking games and at midday a variety concert in Skallagrím’s Garden, a delightful park in the centre of town. The final event for the day is a singalong in Englander’s Bay. The Brák Festival is truly a family affair where everything is done to encourage the particiaption of children. It’s a free event and everyone is welcome.