Shetland Islands - Up Hella Aa

One event which reflects the islanders' Viking past takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January. "Up Hella Aa", the "End of the Holy Days" ("helly" - "holy") is a rousing fire festival in which a 32ft/10m long replica of a Viking longship adorned with shields and sails is paraded through the town led by Guizer Jarl (earl) and his 500 warriors. At the harbor the ship is put to sea, but then the flaming torches carried by the marchers are thrown on to the vessel to set it alight. For about an hour the spectators watch the burning ship before adjourning to the bars where the celebrations continue until the early hours of the next day.