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dinsdag 2 februari 2016

Up Helly Aa - Lerwick - Shetland

the torches the day before


the proclamation


do we all want to be a viking?

the guizer Jarl and a part of his squad
















the young ones have their own procession



the galley from the young ones



lightning the torches for the procession



perhaps the biggest fire festival in the world



the galley with the guizer Jarl


the guizers


about 900 men with torches (yes, only men!)










the burning of the galley
Up Helly Aa is about the celebration of the Norse heritage, about welcoming the lengthening days and the light in a dark winter. It also is a wonderful tradition for the community; working together to make this all possible must be a great joy and works no doubt as super glue.

A selection of my photos is for sale on Fine Art America:
 http://fineartamerica.com/artists/jolly+vandervelden