About Up Helly Aa
About Up Helly Aa
Every year on the last Tuesday in January, the town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands transforms into a scene straight out of a Norse saga.
Up Helly Aa is not just a celebration; it is Europe’s largest fire festival and a thunderous tribute to the islands' Viking roots. As the winter sun sets, thousands of onlookers gather to witness a spectacle of fire, community spirit, and historical pride that has been captured the world's imagination for over a century.
Did you know? The Guizer Jarl (the leader of the festival) spends years preparing for his role, and his unique Viking suit can cost thousands of dollars to create.
Traditions of Up Helly Aa
The heart of the festival lies in its incredible traditions. The day is led by the "Jarl Squad"—a group of elite Vikings dressed in highly detailed, authentic armor, complete with helmets, shields, and axes. They are followed by hundreds of other participants, known as "guizers," all dressed in elaborate costumes.
The energy reaches a fever pitch during the evening procession when the streetlights are turned off, and the guizers ignite over a thousand paraffin-soaked torches.
The climax of the night occurs when the procession reaches the water's edge or a designated burning site. The guizers circle a meticulously crafted replica of a Viking longship, known as a galley.
After a series of traditional songs and cheers, the torches are hurled into the ship, creating a massive bonfire that lights up the dark Scottish sky until the vessel is entirely consumed by flames.
Did you know? While the burning galley is the most famous part, the party continues until dawn with "squads" visiting local halls to perform skits and dance the night away.
Up Helly Aa
If you are planning to get involved or visit Shetland for this fiery extravaganza, here is what you need to know about the flow of the day:
Watch the morning march through Lerwick to see the Jarl Squad and the galley in the daylight.
Visit the local museum or Town Hall to view the intricate craftsmanship of the shields and axes.
Secure a spot along the procession route early in the evening to witness the torch-lighting.
Join the locals in singing "The Norseman’s Home" as the galley begins to burn.
Prepare for a long night of celebration, as the Wednesday following the festival is a public holiday in Shetland to allow everyone to recover!
Whether you are drawn by the history or the sheer heat of the torches, Up Helly Aa is a bucket-list experience that proves the Viking spirit is alive and well in the modern day. It is a powerful reminder of how traditions can bind a community together, even in the coldest depths of winter.
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