For Honor – Vikings Gather For Up Helly Aa Festival In Shetland Islands

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Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our destination is Shetland in the far north of Scotland, where one of the most incredible festivals in Europe is held. On the last Tuesday of January, the town of Lerwick goes more than a little mad. Up Helly Aa is a lot more than a sub-arctic bonfire and booze-up. It’s a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland’s history and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders’ skills and spirit. Fifty helmeted Vikings and a burning Norse galley. Unmissable!

More info: Up Helly Aa (h/t: theguardian)

Participants dressed as Vikings eat breakfast as they prepare to participate in the annual Up Helly Aa festival:

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Members of the Jarl Squad before the start of the parade through the streets in Lerwick:

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The Guizer Jarl is the main character in the celebration, and the Jarl Squad comprises supporters:

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A good breakfast is important:

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A boy waits for the rest of the squad:

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And they are off on the march:

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The Guizer Jarl and his squad. A person must be on a special committee for 15 years before they can be a Jarl – and each year just one person is elected to it:

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A replica galley – a type of ship – is built every year for the festival:

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Children march through the streets of Lerwick:

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The Jarl Squad marching:

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The squad stand on the galley after the march:

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When the sun sets, it’s time for the procession …

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… which is when the galley is dragged through the streets:

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Torchbearers are all the various squads’ members, and are led by the Jarl Squad:

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Following the procession, the torchbearers form a circle around the galley and sing a traditional song …

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… before throwing their torches on to the replica ship:

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The burning of the galley marks the end of the celebration …

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… but the festivities continue long in to the night:

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