Up Helly Aa is a yearly Viking festival that takes place in the Shetland Isles (a subarctic archipelago that lies 170 km north of mainland Scotland), on the last Tuesday of January. This epic festival, which has been an annual occurrence since the 1880s, features realistic Viking costumes, group chanting, marches, full-on ship burning, dancing, drinking, more drinking, and more dancing. This event takes place all over Shetland, but the biggest and main one occurs in Lerwick, the capital.
The groups of "Vikings" are known as Jarl Squads, which are led by a Guizer Jarl.
Up Helly Aa is such an important event to the Shetlanders that the Guizer Jarl and his squad begin their preparations in February, so that they are able to put plenty of effort into the production of their fantastic outfits.
In Lerwick, the Jarl squads spend the whole day marching through the town, and eventually they make their way to the waterfront, where they burn a large Viking ship with 1,000 torches.
Once the boat is burning nicely, they all retire to a town hall and drink and party until the sun comes up.
In fact, the day after is a public holiday in order to allow those who joined in the festivities ample time to recover.
This festival is a cherished tradition in the Shetland Isles, which were invaded and colonized by Norse Viking settlers in the 8th century, and was a Norwegian province right up until 1472.
This left its impact on the now Scottish territory, which continues to celebrate its Scandinavian history.
Bonus Video
Sources: uphellyaa and boredpanda
These Young Acrobats Will Leave You Breathless!
Watch this breathtaking performance by Katya and Nikita, a young aerial acrobat duo.
You Have to Listen to This Stunning Andrea Bocelli Song
Andrea Bocelli never ceases to amaze and this performance is no exception.
Take a Look at 10 of the Best Singing Birds in the World
Here is a look at some of the best singing birds from the world whose melodic sounds will certainly please your ears.
When It Comes to Dance, The Chinese Really Do Know Best!
If there's one thing that the Chinese know how to do, it's dancing. Check out this fantastic traditional Chinese dance.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Most Unique Christmas Tree
This festive season, get inspired by making some of these creative DIY Christmas trees.
The Life of an Average Viking Was Quite Fascinating!
Vikings have fascinated all of us. But do you what was the typical Viking lifestyle like? Find out.
The Most Exclusive and Extraordinary Hotels in the World
Behold a collection of the most unparalleled and exceptional hotels on Earth, like an underwater hotel, or a hotel made completely out of ice
Come See 15 of the Most Picturesque Piers in the World!
Priceless photos of the world's most charming piers. How many of them have you been to?
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
These 24 Places Should Definitely Be on Your Bucket List
Our world is filled with beautiful places that you should definitely visit. The 24 places in this article should definitely be added to your bucket list!
Food Photographer of the Year: 16 Mouth-Watering Pics
Check out the yummiest pictures from the Food Photographer of the Year contest.
10 Unforgettable Places In the World Full Of Color & Charm
Admire 10 astonishing and colorful tourist destinations all around the world.
Discovering 10 of the Oldest Nations in the World!
Bet you didn’t know these countries were so old!
Is This the Worst Travel Destination on the Planet?
Many people seem to think that traveling to Africa is a smart move. Well, I have to strongly disagree, since there are loads of negative things about Africa!
Indonesia: Is This Asia's Most Beautiful Country?
Indonesia is the best place in Asia to visit - and here is the photographic evidence!
Climb Aboard a Gondola For An Enchanting Venetian Ride...
Venice is an architectural and cultural treasure that is both part of Italy's and the wider world's heritage. Take a gondola ride through this beautiful city.
Come See the Architectural Wonders of Valencia
We're inviting you to a beautiful tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful.
The Many Forms of Wedding Dresses from All Over the World
Wedding customs are different all over the world, and these 20 countries have the most beautiful and colorful traditional wedding dresses.
Towering Architectural Marvels: World's Largest Churches!
Have you visited any of these massive churches?
Take a Tour of Fenghuang, China's Ancient County!
Fenghuang County is one of the most amazing places in China - take a look!
10 Places For Those Seeking Peace and Spiritual Growth
This list features some of the famous and lesser-known spiritual destinations from all over the world.
Shocking Facts About New York’s Flatiron Building
New York City's Flatiron building is one of the world’s most iconic structures. However, it faces an uncertain future.
10 Stunning Abandoned Islands and Their Eerie Histories
These islands used to be someone’s home, but today, they have been reclaimed by nature. Ready to see these islands and learn their histories?
These Gorgeous Colorized Postcards Are Over 100 Years Old
You might think that colored photos in the early 20th Century were unheard of, but Photocrom already existed. Take a look at these stunning colorized postcards.
12 Gifts Mother Nature Gave the World...
12 incredible places that are hard to believe are real.
Dubai As You’ve Never Seen Before in 18 Photos
Dubai is much morte than its stunning scyscrapers. These pictures give us a glimpse of the city as you've never seen before.
Come With Us as We Tour Portugal's Gorgeous Heritage Sites
In this article, we will introduce you to some of Portugal's most renowned and awe-inspiring World Heritage sites. I
These 10 Countries Are Smaller Than Most Cities
Countries can range in size from large and heavily populated places like Russia to microstates that run less than a square mile from end to end. These countries are the smallest in the world.
Experience These 20 Incredible Cities in Just 90 Seconds!
I didn’t know which city I should visit next, so I was blown away by these stunning and informative videos of the world’s 20 top places.
Take in China's Spectacular Oriental Beauty - from Above
Get ready to fly high over China's most amazing landscapes.
Is This the Most Beautiful Place in Italy? We Think So!
Take a look at two breathtaking UNESCO sites in Tivoli, Italy: Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este.
Wait For the Bus Under These Odd but Amazing Shelters
These bus shelters have the strangest designs, but you can’t deny they look amazing!
28 Places of Humbling Beauty You Can Find In Asia
Asia is a stunning and highly diverse continent with countless locations to explore. It's time for you to see 28 of the most humbling, beautiful places there.
These Abandoned Places Look So Majestic in Their Loneliness
Exploring these gems in their current state will still promise to be quite the adventure.
Two Weeks of Spanish Magic: The Recommended Itinerary
If you've always wanted to see all that Spain has to offer, this itinerary will make for a true full of opportunities to make good memories!
15 Poignant Pics That Prove How Time Affects Everything
Take a look at these before and after pictures that show how much time affects everything in the world.
I Would Be So Happy in One of These Beautiful Little Towns
When you get out of the big cities and start visiting the small ones, you realize you've missed some of the most beautiful places..
Welcome to the Alluring Ellora Caves, India
Welcome to the biggest cave temple in the world! These caves are more than 1000 years old and are amazing to see.
Watch Your Step: The World's Most Treacherous Staircases
These dangerous staircases will make your stomach drop.
Uncovering the Past: 16 Fascinating Archaeological Finds
Take a look at some of the most fascinating archeological finds of recent times.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
Quirky Structures That Define Belgium's Uniqueness
Discover the eccentric side of Belgian architecture with these weird and hilarious buildings you won't believe actually exist.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
Discover These Stunning Off the Beaten Track Destinations
Europe is home to some of the most famous travel destinations in the world, but it's best explored off the beaten track. Discover 10 hidden destinations.
10 Gorgeous US Towns that Look Like They Belong in Europe!
Here are 10 little-known places so hauntingly beautiful, the moment you enter, you'll be sure you've set foot in Europe.
Underwhelming Tourist Attractions
A selection of 12 such disappointing sights you may want to avoid on your travels.
Not Just in Japan: Where to See Cherry Blossoms Worldwide
In this post, we list 13 of the finest places to admire cherry blossoms beyond Japan.