Viking Festival «Up Helly Aa Festival» in the Shetland Islands

In the small town of Lerwick, located on the main island, yesterday held a traditional festival of the Vikings, with massive procession through the streets of the city and the ritual burning of a rook.

In reality, it appears, in Lerwick do not know anything about the existence of such a tradition. At least, not in a single document from the past, it does not mention any. According to some, this tradition founded the British soldiers returning from sea campaigns against Napoleon. Yes, it is not so important. The main thing is that the event is popular and introduces young people from his past. Similar game events taking place in other settlements in the Shetland Islands, but not on such a scale as in Lerwick. Festival is held on the last Tuesday of January.


















































Photo: AP, AFP, Getty Images, Reuters