Viking fire festival: Hundreds carry flaming torches through Scotland town to mark Up Helly Aa

A huge crowd marched through the streets of Lerwick in Shetland carrying flaming torches on Tuesday to mark the ancient Viking festival of Up Helly Aa.
Up Helly Aa is held annually in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January. It marks the end of Yule, or the changing of seasons.
For the first time in its 143-year history, this year's procession through town included women and girls.
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[@galacticgrape1939]

All of these AMAZING people.All hail the Vikings!

[@apocalypse2819]

That galley seems so much smaller than the one they had when i was there in 2005. Still looks like an amaaing night though!

[@winstonsmith935]

My ancestors in Scotland and Norway, the good old days.

[@user-eh1xf6et2w]

Wicked

[@olinafan4459]

imagine carrying a can of hairspray

[@leonaanita719]

Always better safe

[@JoniMitchell-qi6hr]

❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉❤😊😊😊😊😊❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AurianLunaLou]

Baobhan Sith san frarraige 🤘

[@rangodando]

I'm fairly sure "uggy uggy uggy oi oi oi" isn't very Viking. Lovely ceremony though.

[@blitz_zen]

Lol I was there this year 2024 and I thought the same thing. Interesting to note that only one in 40-50 squads are dressed up as Vikings. The rest vary from a squad dressed up as, (otherwise known as “guising” for disguise), Amish to Pigs in tutu’s (Swine Lake)…it last’s all night…

[@Progressive_Canadian]

I commend the inclusive spirit showcased during this year's Up Helly Aa procession in Lerwick, as it marked a historic moment with the participation of women and girls for the first time in its 143-year history. Additionally, it was heartening to observe various groups of immigrants joining the festivities, highlighting the festival's commitment to diversity. Scotland's warm embrace of both gender inclusivity and cultural diversity makes it evident that such celebrations are meant for everyone, contributing to the nation's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community.

[@saxonthegermanshepherd2809]

Maybe next we can have a 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️story time at a mosque

[@blitz_zen]

Interesting to note that only one squad out of 40-50 were dressed up as Vikings. Some squads are made up of only women. 70’s rock star squad for instance. The people of Shetland are not Scottish as they will tell you if you show up in a kilt hoping to fit in. :) Up Helly Aa has it’s roots, most likely in Pagan’s celebrating the end of Yule and later being more a statement about the ruling class vs the working class thus the Bill that is posted in the town square. “Guising” & “guisers” or being in disguise comes from the night rowdiness and not wanting to be identified by the law. Diversity & inclusion means being invited to respect, honor & observe the cultures of the world not being invited to take part.

[@simondread]

Gotta love the Scots 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[@darren5376]

DO THEY RECOGNIZE THE 62 GENDERS?

[@affectionatepunch]

Never mind that where's all the Black people

[@darren5376]

@@affectionatepunch haha 😄