Torching tradition as first woman raises the axe for Shetland's Vikings.

The people of Shetland, a group of islands north of Scotland, are welcoming the arrival of spring in dramatic style – by burning viking longships.

Up Helly Aa was first celebrated in 1881 and is unique to these islands. But it's a tradition that is evolving, with a woman at the heart of it for the first time.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20250330-torching-tradition-as-first-woman-raises-the-axe-for-shetlands-vikings?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Shetland #Shetlands #Scotland #Vikings #UpHellyAa #History #Tradition

Up Helly Aa: A fiery celebration of Shetland's Norse Heritage http://newsfeed.facilit8.network/THf808 #UpHellyAa #Shetland #VikingHeritage #FireFestival #NorseCulture

Last Tuesday of January is #UpHellyaa on Shetland @analogfusion.bsky.social Please note the ever present gale of wind 💨 #ScottishVikings #Vikings

Up Helly Aan huipennus on käsillä: tuhat soihdunkantajaa on kerääntynyt laivan ympärille.

#UpHellyAa

Happy Up Helly Aa Day!!

[The Viking Fire Festival has more torches than Guy Fawkes Day.]

https://www.youtube.com/live/cTViaw4gl6o?si=IRb047AgzsaYhIXE

#Mastodon #Tuesday #weird #humor #holiday #holidays #UpHellyAa

Happy (#Lerwick) #UpHellyAa for those that celebrate such things.

The end of the dark and the slow move towards summer and the #SimmerDim

#Shetland

Embrace the flames of tradition and let the spirit of Up Helly Aa ignite our hearts with joy and unity!

#uphellyaa #shetland

Experience the Thrill of Up Helly Aa Celebrations in Shetland

As the crowds gathered, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, punctuated by the distant notes of bagpipes echoing through the streets. The flickering lights from the torches that the participants carried danced in the fading daylight, casting vibrant shadows on the historical architecture of Lerwick.

Soon, the procession began its slow march, the citizens clad in their finest Viking-inspired costumes, each outfit reflecting hours of meticulous preparation. The mesmerizing sight of the viking longship, adorned with colorful shields and burning braziers, drew gasps of awe from onlookers.

I felt a palpable sense of community and tradition as families and friends cheered for their loved ones participating in the event. The energy was infectious. It was more than just a celebration; it was a tribute to the rich Viking heritage that permeates the Shetland Islands.

As night fell, the procession intensified with the torch bearers igniting a powerful bonfire, the flames illuminating the night sky. The blend of firelight and festivity created an unforgettable backdrop for the celebration. I stood in that moment, captivated, knowing I was witnessing something truly special. The spirit of Up Helly Aa was alive, and its memories would remain etched in my heart forever.

Join Sarah McBurnie and me in celebrating Up Helly Aa.

https://youtu.be/Ez8mUoHr06Y?si=FnSjZuV3KXMmhF95

This year, I am excited to celebrate Up Helly Aa from my home in Vancouver, embracing the traditions and spirit of this incredible event. Even though I am miles away, my heart is firmly rooted in that beautiful land, filled with memories of joyous gatherings and the wonderful friendships I forged. I look forward to honoring the customs and sharing the warmth of this celebration with my friends, both near and far, as we connect across the distance and keep the spirit of Up Helly Aa alive.

Rebecca

#Celebrations #Friendships #lerwick #Scotland #Shetland #Traditions #travel #UpHellyAa #VikingFestival

Kulkueen johtaja joukkoineen on valmiina!

#UpHellyAa

Up Helly Aa -livestriimi alkaa tasan klo 21: https://www.uphellyaa.com/

Up Helly Aa on Shetlannissa vuosittain järjestettävä tulifestivaali. Se huipentuu kulkueeseen, jossa iso viikinkilaivan replika ensin kuljetetaan kaupungin halki ja sitten poltetaan näyttävin menoin.

Kulkue lähtee liikkeelle noin klo 21:30 Suomen aikaa.

#UpHellyAa

Merkatkaa huominen (tiistai 28.1.) kalentereihinne! On yhden hienon vuotuisjuhlan aika.

Shetlannin Lerwickissä järjestetään vuosittain tammikuun viimeisenä tiistaina Up Helly Aa: tulifestivaali, jonka huipennuksena on kulkue, jossa viikinkilaivan replika kuljetetaan kaupungin halki ja poltetaan näyttävissä menoissa.

Tapahtumasta on nettistriimi, jota meillä on seurattu jo kymmenkunta vuotta. Hienoja näkyjä!

Kulkue lähtee liikkeelle noin klo 21:30.

#UpHellyAa

https://www.uphellyaa.org

https://www.uphellyaa.org/

#uphellyaa

Space vessel blows up during testing at the new spaceport in Shetland, despite the best efforts of the Shetland fire department who turned up in their other helmets. "Oany happens aboot once a year like. Da nyuggel is grippit it!", said one, incomprehensibly.

#Shetland #UpHellyAa

https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/20/spacecraft-explodes-during-launch-test-at-uks-new-spaceport-in-shetland

A bit of a blast from the past looking for classic up helly aa bills I found a picture that I think I'm ok to borrow as I'm one of the subjects. Still looking for examples of a bill which I recall as being a means of reminding members of the community to behave or expect at least some gentle mocking.
#uphellyaa

Wie jedes Jahr habe ich den Livestream von #UpHellyAa in #Lerwick angesehen, und wie jedes Jahr war ich sehr ergriffen. :)
#Shetland #ShetlandIsles

Up Helly Aa -laiva on syttynyt!

#UpHellyAa

Up Helly Aa -näkymät ovat tänäkin vuonna komeita.

#UpHellyAa

The local fire festival is taking place in Shetland tonight. :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxL91ldLrXc

#UpHellyAa