The abiding influence of the Vikings, who arrived in Shetland
just over 1000 years ago, is
celebrated on the last Tuesday of January every year, by the largest fire
festival in Europe - "Up Helly Aa".
After a torch-light procession of up to a thousand "guizers" through the streets
of Lerwick a full-size replica Viking longship is ceremonially burned. The "guizers"
and onlookers then repair to local halls for a night of revelry, dancing and
partying.
Summer visitors can get a flavour of this mid-winter
extravaganza at the Up Helly Aa exhibition in Lerwick where the regalia,
props, costumes and a replica longship are on display.
We have devoted a couple of pages to describing the events of
the day, using the example of the 1999 festivities:-
