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Up Helly Aa: Europe’s biggest fire festival returns to Shetland

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More than 40 groups, locally known as “squads”, march through the streets of Lerwick before throwing their torches at an ornamented wooden galley.

The celebrations then move to the many community halls, where they continue until as late as 07:00 the next day.

At the head of the procession is the “Jarl Squad” led by its chief, the Guizer Jarl. Its members, who become Vikings for the day, wear custom-made suits, axes and shields.

For Calum Grains, who had to wait for 17 years to take up his position as the 2025 Guizer Jarl, the last Tuesday in January is always a special day.

“Up Helly Aa is such a great community event – it marks the end of that winter period and we are starting to look forward to the new year again,” he said.

“It’s one of these huge things that make Shetland unique.”


BBC News

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