Viking Festival Of Up Helly Aa In Shetland Sees Longship Set On Fire (Pictures)

VIKING PICTURES: Bellowing Bearded Norsemen Burn Longship On Shetland Isles

Roaring, snorting, fire-wielding Vikings have poured on to the Shetland Isles for a celebration of the Scottish islands' Norse heritage.

Ladies lamenting the lack of “real men” as Valentine's day approaches need look no further than these bearded Vikings, carrying torches through the ancient island's stony streets. The march culminates in the burning of a galley by the sea's shore in traditional Up Helly Aa style.

The Viking longboat is constructed during the winter, before the guizers, (defined in the Shetlopedia as anyone who dresses up, assumes a mask, and participates in the event), burn the galley to the ground, on the last day of January every year.

The annual Up Helly Aa Viking festival revels in the tiny island's history, especially its connection to Norway. The Shetland Isles only became part of Scotland in the early 15th century and part of Great Britain in 1707. Dancing and singing in halls around the island fills the evening with raucous activity, as Celtic tradition sees out January in style.

Take a look at some of the pictures below

Close

What's Hot