Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Up Helly Aa Festival Ignites Shetland with Viking Tradition

1/28/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland, culminates with the burning of a hand-crafted Viking longship.
More than 1,000 participants, including the Guizer Jarl, join a torch-lit procession through the streets on the last Tuesday of January.
The tradition began in the 19th century and attracts global visitors.
The event involves more than 40 local squads and concludes with a fire-display illuminating the night sky.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland, culminates with the burning of a hand-crafted Viking longship.
More than 1,000 participants, including the Guizer Jarl, join a torch-lit procession through the streets on the last Tuesday of January.
The tradition began in the 19th century and attracts global visitors.
The event involves more than 40 local squads and concludes with a fire-display illuminating the night sky.