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