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
Tips & Tricks to Make the Most Unique Christmas Tree
This festive season, get inspired by making some of these creative DIY Christmas trees.
Listen To This Acapella Medley of Classic Songs by Queen
Listen to this amazing acapella medley of some of the most memorable and classic songs of the popular British band, Queen.
Joan Baez Mesmerizes the Audience with a Soulful Number
Joan Baez enthralls the Audience With a soulful rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young”.
Get Into the Winter Spirit With a Dean Martin Classic
Dean Martin was one of the most recognizable crooners of the 1950s. Get into the winter spirit by singing along to his 1959 release, A Winter Romance.
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.
This Truly is One of the Best Elvis Performances
Enjoy this blast from the past: the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley sings his famous song ‘My Way’ in a 1973 concert.
Open Your Eyes to Spain's 15 Most Cherished Hidden Towns
Spain's gorgeous little towns and villages are rendered all the more spectacular thanks to the amazing surrounding countryside...
Discover 9 Attractions in a Surprising Resort Town, Sochi
Sochi is one of the fastest developing resorts in Europe, and we invite you to get to know this destination with 9 attractions that shouldn't be missed!
Bermuda: Relax Among Shimmering Green and Blue Waters...
This is the perfect kind of video for relaxation and beauty. See the gorgeous blues and greens of Bermuda as your mind lets go and your problems blow away in the wind.
15 Stunning Places That a Lot of Tourists Don't Know About
There are many beautiful places in this world, however, as these photos prove, some are a lot more beautiful than others.
Nothing Is What It Seems In This Uniquely Cool Museum...
New York’s Museum of Illusions offers a unique way of learning about perception and the human brain, though immersive and just really cool exhibitions.
15 Unbelievable Sights to See in Fairy Tale Germany!
In my humble opinion the Germans have far more stunning locations than any of their European neighbors. Look at these fabulous photos of the great wonderland.
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
19 Unique & Traditional Ways of Life Around the World
19 unique cultures that managed to preserve their traditions in the 21st century. English photographer Jimmy Nelson travels the globe to meet these unique tribes and brings back incredible photos.
Every City in the World Needs These Futuristic Innovations
We just discovered these amazingly futuristic things from other countries and wanted to share them with you.
8 European Destinations You Should Definitely Check Out
Looking for an interesting destination to visit in Europe? Here are 8 amazing and peaceful places, which you won't believe you didn't know about before ...
The Mysterious Ajanta Caves are Full of Wonder...
The mysterious Ajanta Caves are full of incredible history and astonishing sights.
The Glistening Nightscapes of Tokyo - 12 Stunning Pics
Photographer Takaaki Ito presents Tokyo as you have never seen before.
Weird Architecture: 12 Really Unusual Buildings
From a building that sings in the rain to one that looks like a pair of dancers, these weird and wonderful structures are sure to blow your mind.
Travel Through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Take a tour through two famous American National parks - Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park - all from your own couch.
12 Exciting Hollywood Inspired Holiday Destinations
A list of 12 destinations that were used as movie sets and can now be visited
20 Reasons You Can't Say No to Visiting Turkey!
This magnificent country is full of breathtaking wonders - take a peek at these beautiful photos and be inspired!
Get Out! 10 Fascinating Places You're Not Allowed to Enter
Our wonderful planet has so many wonders to explore. However, there are some places that are strictly prohibited. Here are ten of them!
13 Unmissable Sights in the Exotic City of Baku
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Baku, we have compiled a short guide of 13 must-see attractions.
Welcome to the Coldest Town in the Whole World...
You think you know cold? For the people of Oymyakon in Russia, your idea of cold is laughable. When Amos Chappel, a photographer from New Zealand, traveled to this frozen location, he brought back incredible pictures depicting the daily lives of the
These Genius Ideas Should Be Implemented Everywhere
We can’t believe these genius design solutions actually exist!
15 Fantastic Attractions in Annecy, France
In this article, we'll share 15 must-visit attractions in Annecy, France that you won't want to miss.
19 Timeless Treasures of Our World You Need to See
Uncover the world's most captivating and awe-inspiring creations through the lens of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
Admire the Mystical Streams and Moors of Czechia in 4K
Fly above Šumava National Park, a part of the ancient Bohemian Forest in the Czech Republic full of beauty, mystery, and charm!
18 of the Coolest Little Towns in the Good Ol' US of A
The US is more than Chicago, LA, and New York. For a true taste of Americana, visit these 18 cool towns.
Experience the Ancient Architecture of India in Crisp 4K
Get ready to visit one of the most interesting places in India - Rajasthan!
Experience the Thrill of Riding the World's Fastest Train
Japan's upcoming maglev trains are supposed to be the world’s fastest. But are they really worth the hype?
Titanic Sub: What Really Caused a 'Catastrophic' Implosion
The Titan sub tragedy has left everyone shaken. But what exactly happened to it?
See the Seven Wonders of the World in Stunning 4K
Very few things on this planet come close to the beauty and majesty of the Seven Wonders of the World, as this 4K video proves.
Christian, Jewish or Muslim - Jerusalem is Holy to All
Jerusalem is holy to three religions. Join a beautiful tour of this piece of history.
10 Terrific Attractions in the City of Gdańsk, Poland
I. Discovering what Gdansk has to offer will undoubtedly convince you not to overlook it when planning your trip to Poland or Europe.
This Video of the Norwegian Fjords Will Leave You In Awe
This stunning time-lapse video will take you over three of Norway's mightiest fjords. What's more, it's in full HD!
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.
25 Reasons I Can't Wait to Visit South Africa!
This is why you'll pick South Africa for your next vacation!
The Australian Island of Tasmania Is Out of This World...
Many choose to visit to Australia at least once in their lifetimes, but the island of Tasmania is much less well-known. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
Panama is a Tourism Destination to Match Any Other...
Panama isn't often thought of as a go-to tourist destination, but this post will change your opinion entirely. Here 10 must-visit places in Panama.
16 Happy Facts to Make Your End of the Year Better
Celebrate the end of the year with these illustrated positive facts.
The Most Gorgeous Train Rides in the USA...
Loosen your grip on the steering wheel, these rail-road trips will give you the opportunity to take in sights that the interstate doesn't deliver.
I've Never Seen a Town As Blue As This African One!
This wonderful little city is famous for one amazing thing: it is painted blue like the heavenly sky.
Take a Tour of 10 Beautiful Moroccan Destinations!
Morroco is justifiably called the "Pearl of the Dessert," and thanks to these 10 places shot in 4K you'll soon understand why...
10 Unforgettable Places In the World Full Of Color & Charm
Admire 10 astonishing and colorful tourist destinations all around the world.