Participants, dressed in masquerade costumes, marched through Lerwick with flaming torches in hand. The event culminated in the burning of a drakkar — a traditional Viking ship.
The history of the festival dates back to the 1880s when it was conceived as a way to mark the end of the Yule season according to the old calendar and to honor Scotland's Viking heritage. Volunteers actively participate in the preparations, creating the drakkar and making over a thousand torches.
Up Helly Aa has become one of the most impressive cultural events of winter in Europe, annually gathering thousands of participants and guests.
