Shetland Up Helly Aa

Shetland Up Helly Aa is an annual festival celebrating Viking heritage in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Participants dress in Viking-style costumes, and the event features a parade, traditional music, and the gradual burning of a large Viking longship effigy. Held in January, it honors Shetland’s Norse history and community spirit, culminating in a communal celebration that blends history, craftsmanship, and local culture. The festival attracts visitors worldwide and is a highlight of Shetland’s cultural calendar.