Bátastevnan awarded community honor at Vestmanna event in Faroe Islands

The highlight of the recent event was when Bjørg á Rógvi, the mayor, announced the recipient of this year’s community honor, recognizing a citizen or organization that has made a notable contribution to the village of Vestmanna.

This time, the Bátastevnan, a local boat festival, received the accolade. After the presentation, Hilmar Jan Hansen spoke on behalf of Jan Haldansen, one of the five organizers of the event.

“We didn’t expect this, but we are thrilled with the recognition, which we hope will inspire others to get involved as our ideas might be dwindling,” he remarked.

“The boat festival is part of a larger community effort, and although only five of us are officially responsible for organizing it, the entire village participates. Typically, around 90-100 people attend our post-event evaluations.”

A total of five nominations were considered for this year’s award, and Mayor Bjørg á Rógvi noted that while all suggestions were commendable, the Bátastevnan somehow stood out.

“It is truly amazing to see a full hall during this time of the Vestmannadagar festival,” the mayor expressed, delighted to witness both local residents and expatriates coming together.

The Vestmanna Municipality has previously honored:

– 2015 – Citizen of the Year: Finnbogi Joensen
– 2016 – Citizen of the Year: Pauli Magnussen
– 2017 – Citizen of the Year: Páll Hellu
– 2018 – Citizen of the Year: Jónfinn Egilsnes
– 2019 – Citizen of the Year: Erla Olsen, elder
– 2023 – Community Honor: Elisabeth Hummeland
– 2024 – Community Honor: Bátastevnan

An audio interview with Jan Haldansen and Bjørg á Rógvi is available for listening.