Sun Sets in Utqiagvik, Sparking 60-Plus Days of Night

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Today, the sun set in Utqiagvik, Alaska, for the very last time in 2020. The next time it rises will be Jan. 23, 2021.

Utqiagvik was formerly known as Barrow. The residents voted in 2016 to revert the town to its traditional Inupiaq name.

Barrow, of course, is the setting for the 2007 vampire flick “30 Days of Night.” In the movie, a group of vampires move in for the kill when Barrow settles in for its “polar night.” It is one of the scariest vampire movies I’ve ever seen. I’ll be rewatching it tonight as a nod to the polar event.

Yes, I admit it. I’m one of those people who like to watch certain movies to celebrate the holidays and the change of seasons (and who don’t mind watching a movie more than once). For instance, when Halloween is around the corner, I watch “Trick `r Treat,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Practical Magic” and “Pay the Ghost” to get in the mood for All Hallows’ Eve.

Photo: jplenio at Pixabay.com
Confession: I also watch “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” It’s British and the scary creature is a rabbit, but I simply love the mood it sets—all damp and dark and mysterious. And don’t you love the way British people talk? I do.

When it gets close to Christmas, I watch “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Horror Story,” among other movies. “Christmas Horror Story” is an anthology of four pretty good storylines. I especially like the one about the changeling. Not something you want to find under the Christmas tree.

You get the idea. I had a new addition to my movie rituals this year. I watched Disney’s animated “Coco” in early November to celebrate the Day of the Dead. “Coco” is not a horror flick, but it revolves around spirits and the land of the dead, so it at least falls into the supernatural category. The movie also is beautifully animated and warms my heart.

Do you have similar movie rituals? Please feel free to share. 

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