Up Helly Aa festival mark Shetland's Norse heritage

Originating in the 1880s, the event is Europe's largest Viking fire festival

Last updated: January 29, 2020 | 14:32

2 MIN READ

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The galley burns during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival in Lerwick, Scotland.

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The torch-lit procession and Viking longship are seen ahead of the burning of the galley.

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The torch-lit procession marches through the streets ahead of the burning of the galley.

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Members of the Jarl Squad in Lerwick, Scotland, on the Shetland Isles, perform the Up Helly Aa Viking festival.

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The Guizar Jarl and the galley are seen ahead of the burning of the galley.

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The junior galley burns after the junior Up Helly Aa parade, during the Up Helly Aa Viking Festival.

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Torches are lit using a flare ahead of the Up Helly Aa Viking Festival in Lerwick, Scotland.

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Torches are lit using a flare ahead of the Up Helly Aa Viking Festival in Lerwick, Scotland.

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Members of the Jarl Squad in Lerwick, Scotland, on the Shetland Isles, perform the Up Helly Aa Viking festival in Lerwick, Scotland.

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Children take part in the junior galley parade, during the Up Helly Aa Viking Festival in Lerwick, Scotland.

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