Vikings Invade the Shetland Islands

Feb. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- It was quite a site:  1 replica Longship (Galley), 70+ Vikings and 1,000+ Guisers (men in costumes), with giant petrol-soaked torches, marched through the aptly names streets of Lerwick - King Harald Street, St Olaf Street, King Erik Street - while the brass band played a variety of tunes all inspired by Up Helly Aa.

After an hour of marching, the squads of men, circled up around the Longship and said farewell to the Galley by launching their torches into the ship to send it off to Viking Valhalla.

http://youtu.be/mCGOqICZmtM



That wasn't the end though; rather just the beginning.

Next, all the squads left for a night of dancing, merry-making and libation-taking as they made their way around the halls of Lerwick, performing their squad act.

Approximately 12 hours later, battle-weary guisers headed home to sleep off their indulgence and to start planning for Up Helly Aa 2014.

Up Helly Aa is consistently listed as one of the world's 'must-see' events. So if you're going to visit Shetland to see this amazing event and need a place to stay, I recommend http://www.shetland-selfcatering.com in Lerwick, or if you prefer a rural spot (but still only just 15 minutes from Lerwick) then http://www.coogrindselfcatering.com might just be perfect for your needs.