Aasivik returns to Narsaq, where this long-standing festival was first held 50 years ago. At this time of year, participants travel to the town from far and wide – both by sea and by air. Among them are members of some of the country’s leading bands, whom Air Greenland has helped to bring to the anniversary celebrations.

From Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th July, Narsaq will be the setting for music, culture, debate and community spirit. With travel discounts and an extra flight between Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Air Greenland is helping to ensure that more musicians and participants can take part in the festival this year.

For the organisers, the sponsorship has tangible value. It takes the strain off the budget and means that more bands can be brought in for the same amount of funding – including Naneruaq, Sauwestari, Innerluulat and ILAAT, amongst others.

“It means an awful lot to us that Air Greenland has chosen to support Aasivik’s anniversary. When more bands come to Narsaq, it brings the festival to life and creates a special experience for everyone taking part. Without the extra help with transport and support, it wouldn’t have been possible to bring everyone along,” says Ivalo Motzfeldt, one of the volunteer organisers at Aasivik Narsaq.

For many years, Air Greenland has supported festivals and cultural events in Greenland. Its support for Aasivik is a natural extension of the company’s work to strengthen cultural life and enable people to share experiences across the country.

“Aasivik is more than just a festival. It is a gathering place where culture, conversation and community bring people together from across the country. That is why we are delighted to be able to help ensure that more people can take part when the anniversary is celebrated in Narsaq,” says Inga Dóra G. Markussen, Director of Sustainability and Communications at Air Greenland.

Aasivik means ‘summer settlement’ or ‘summer camp’ in Greenlandic and has its roots in the places where people traditionally gathered in the summer. In more recent times, Aasivik became a hub for music, culture, debate and identity when the first gathering was held in Narsaq in 1976. That is why this anniversary holds special significance, as the festival now returns to the town where the modern Aasivik tradition began.

Now all that remains is for the final participants to arrive in Narsaq before the festival can really get underway. With good flying weather forecast from the festival’s first day, everything is falling into place. Air Greenland wishes everyone a wonderful Aasivik and extends its heartfelt thanks to the organisers and the many volunteers who are making this anniversary possible.