One of the most spectacular and misunderstood festivals in the world is the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival.
One of the most spectacular and misunderstood festivals in the world is the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival. It takes place in Lerwick, Shetland on the last Tuesday in January every year. Commemorating Shetland’s Norse heritage, the festival features the torching of a massive replica of a Viking longship followed by 36 hours of celebratory activities. The Up Helly Aa Fire Festival is a community event in which countless volunteers contribute many hours each winter to organize and plan the following year’s festival. During the festival, you will witness elaborate costumes, skits, and a number of other cultural performances that make this a must-see event.