Up Helly Aa – The Fire Festival of Legends
January 28, 2025
Location: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Up Helly Aa – the Fire Festival of Legends originated in Shetland in the 1880s. The Viking fire festival draws visitors from around the world. At nightfall, torchbearers dressed in Viking garb march through Lerwick’s streets carrying hundreds of torches. The event’s highlight is the burning of a replica Viking longship.
Festival goers can observe the torch-lit procession, enjoy cultural workshops, and get into the festive spirit.