Bun Day is followed by Sprengidagur. It means “Bursting Day” and the motto is to eat salted meat and bean stew until you burst.

During Sprengidagur Icelandic home and most restaurants flood with the aroma of Saltkjöt og baunir or salted-meat and bean stew. The name of the Sprengidagur refers to the idea that people feast on this hearty dish to the point of bursting.

Salted meat and bean stew has been served on this day in Iceland since the late 19th century. Before that, hangikjöt, smoked lamb, was eaten on Bursting Day.

Salted mutton, saltkjöt, can be bought in most stores the days preceding Bursting Day, easily recognizable by its distinct pink color.

Stores might also sell the other ingredients needed to make this dish in one package. Such a package typically includes onions, yellow turnips, carrots and yellow split peas.