The Viking 'jarl' prepares for his march
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Bressay Up Helly Aa
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When:
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29 Feb 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Bressay
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Bressay continues Shetland's vibrant Viking tradition with a brilliant procession of flaming torches and a great ceilidh (Scottish dancing party) - Up Helly Aa.
The island of Bressay is just over the sea from Lerwick and home to just 350 people. Their Up Helly Aa always takes place on the last Friday in February and consists of a squad of Vikings making a procession around the island. It's an annual tradition that the jarl, the head Viking, leads a band of his warriors including his little daughter.
Unlike other Up Helly Aa in the Shetlands, the Viking galley dragged by the warriors is not burnt. Instead, an enormous bonfire lights up the sky after the procession. Then all the villagers and visitors (who are free to carry a flaming torch in the procession if they wish) head for the Bressay Public Hall and watch different members of the crowd performing songsor sketches, interspersed with Scottish reel dancing.
On the Saturday, the festivities continue with another night of dancing in the Bressay Hall, which carries on in the local pub on the Sunday. The right to shave the beards of the mighty Viking warriors is auctioned and the happy customer gets to wield the shaver! By such means, money is raised for local charities.
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