Scotland’s deep-rooted Viking heritage came alive once again as hundreds of costumed participants took part in the annual Up Helly Aa fire festival, one of the country’s most iconic and visually striking cultural events. Held in the Shetland Islands, the celebration honors the lasting influence of Scandinavian Vikings who settled the region more than a millennium ago.

At the heart of the festival is the dramatic torchlit procession led by the “Jarl Squad,” a group of men dressed as Vikings who carry flaming torches through the streets. The procession culminates in a powerful symbolic moment as the squad hurls their torches into a meticulously crafted Viking galley longship, setting it ablaze in a spectacle of fire and tradition.

The burning of the longship represents the end of winter and pays tribute to Norse customs that shaped Shetland’s identity, language, and history. Surrounding the Jarl Squad are up to 1,000 “guizers,” men dressed in elaborate costumes ranging from traditional Viking attire to imaginative historical and theatrical themes, adding both reverence and pageantry to the event.

Up Helly Aa is the result of months of preparation, with participants hand-building the galley and crafting detailed costumes. While the festival has ancient inspiration, its modern form dates back to the late 19th century and has since become a cornerstone of Shetland’s cultural calendar.

The festival draws visitors from around the world, offering a rare glimpse into living history where ancient Norse traditions are preserved not in museums, but through communal celebration. As the flames consume the longship and light up the night sky, Up Helly Aa stands as a vivid reminder of Scotland’s enduring Viking legacy and the power of tradition to unite generations.