Discover Up Helly Aa in Shetland
Embark on a journey to the Shetland Islands, where the annual winter celebration of Up Helly Aa ignites the skies. Be sure to mark your calendars for the next celebration on January 30th, 2024. This comprehensive guide, crafted for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike, delves into the captivating origins, traditions, and experiences of this remarkable festival.
Origins of The Viking Tradition
The origins of Up Helly Aa in Shetland are deeply intertwined with the islands' rich Viking heritage, creating a bridge between modern celebrations and ancient Norse traditions. Though the festival in its elaborate, organised form is a relatively recent development, originating just over 140 years ago, its roots and connections to the Viking age run much deeper.
Born in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, during the 19th century, Up Helly Aa emerged from traditional Yuletide celebrations and local fire festivals. These early forms of the festival were more unruly and boisterous, reflecting a wilder, untamed spirit. Today, the festival has evolved to be a more refined and dignified event, but it still maintains a vibrant connection to Shetland's storied past.
Up Helly Aa serves as a dynamic tribute to Shetland’s Viking history. The Shetland Islands, strategically located between Scotland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, were a significant Viking stronghold from around 800 AD until the 15th century. This period left an indelible mark on the culture and heritage of the islands. The festival, in its celebration and rituals, seeks to commemorate this influential era.
The most symbolic aspect of Up Helly Aa is the burning of a Viking longship. This act is deeply evocative of the Norse tradition of ship burials, a practice that was central to Viking funeral rites. The Vikings believed that the ship would carry the departed to the afterlife, a journey to the realms of the gods.
In this Viking fire festival, this burning symbolises not just the community's connection to its Viking ancestors but also embodies themes of regeneration and renewal. Set against the backdrop of the dark Shetland winter sky, this powerful and stirring scene resonates with the raw, elemental force of nature, much like the Vikings who once navigated these northern seas.
Celebrating Shetland Up Helly Aa
Annually held on the last Tuesday of January, the festival unfolds in a series of mesmerising events.
As evening approaches, the anticipation builds for the main event: the torch-lit procession and the burning of the replica Viking longship. This is the moment when the true spirit of Up Helly Aa comes to life. Hundreds of participants, known as Guizers, bearing blazing torches, march through the darkened streets of Lerwick, led by the ‘Guizer Jarl’ - the chief Viking warrior for the day. The sight of these torches, illuminating the night sky, is a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.
The procession makes its way to the burning site, where a meticulously crafted Viking long boat awaits its fiery fate. The climax of the festival occurs when the guizers hurl their torches onto the galley. The ship, engulfed in flames, serves as a powerful symbol of the Viking heritage that the festival celebrates. The burning of the longship is not just a spectacular visual display but also a poignant reminder of the island's history and the passage of time.
Post the burning ceremony, the night does not end. The community halls across Lerwick open their doors for private parties, where the Guizers, locals, and visitors alike continue the celebrations. These parties are known for their warmth and hospitality, featuring more dancing, live music, and often continuing into the early hours of the morning.
The Heart of the Festival: Lerwick Up Helly Aa
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, hosts the most renowned celebration of the Shetland Viking Festival, known as Up Helly Aa. This vibrant town transforms into a bustling epicentre of cultural festivity, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. The atmosphere in Lerwick during Up Helly Aa is electric, with the anticipation and excitement palpable in the air.
The day-long celebration is a feast for the senses. From early morning, the streets of Lerwick begin to buzz with activity. Local musicians and bands fill the air with traditional and contemporary tunes, creating a lively soundtrack to the day's events. Dancing groups, both local and visiting, add to the festivities with performances that range from traditional Scottish dances to modern interpretations, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of the islands.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Lerwick celebration is the colourful parades. Groups of guizers, each with their unique theme and costumes, parade through the town, displaying months of preparation and creativity. These parades are not just a visual spectacle but also a showcase of storytelling and performance art, as each group interprets different aspects of Norse mythology, local folklore, or modern themes.
Looking Forward to Up Helly Aa 2024
Up Helly Aa, celebrated annually, continuously evolves, bringing fresh elements each year with new Guizer Jarls, participating Guizers, and other unique features. In 2023, Up Helly Aa witnessed an impressive turnout with 962 Guizers and 853 torches lighting up the event. The celebration included a diverse array of squads, some humorously named, adding to the festival's vibrancy. The chosen Guizer Jarl for Up Helly Aa 2023 embodied the character of Njal Thorgeirsson, the protagonist of Njáls saga, one of the most renowned and extensive Icelandic sagas.
Details of the participants of Up Helly Aa 2024 are still emerging. However, one thing is clear: the event is poised to be a spectacular affair that will captivate both the local community and visitors. It promises to be an event that should not be missed, offering a unique blend of tradition, culture, and festivity.
For the detailed Up Helly Aa 2024 timetable and more information, make sure to visit the official Up Helly Aa organisation’s website here.
What Tourists Should Know Before Experiencing the Viking Fire Festival
Planning a trip to Shetland for Up Helly Aa? Here are some essential tips to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience:
Accommodation
Accommodations in Lerwick, the heart of the festival, are in high demand. It’s advisable to book your hotel or guesthouse well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. Consider looking into local B&Bs or even private rentals for a more homely experience.
Check out our dedicated article for even more accommodation tips options and across Shetland, including Lerwick here.
Prepare for the Cold
The Shetland winter can be quite brisk, particularly during the night when most of the festival's events take place. Dress in warm layers, waterproof clothing, and comfortable footwear to stay cosy and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.
Engage with the Community
Many local halls in Lerwick and surrounding areas host parties and events during Up Helly Aa. These gatherings are perfect opportunities to mingle with locals and Guizers, immerse yourself in the local culture, and maybe even learn a traditional dance or two.
Respect the Tradition
Up Helly Aa is not just one of Shetland’s festivals; it’s a celebration deeply ingrained in Shetland’s cultural heritage. Be respectful of the traditions, the people participating, and the effort that goes into organising this historic event.
Plan Your Itinerary
Besides the main event, make sure to enjoy all that Shetland has to offer and explore things to do in Shetland. From guided tours to impressive places to eat, the islands are rich in history, wildlife and captivating natural views to fall in love with.
Up Helly Aa is more than just a festival; it's a deep dive into the heart of Shetland's Viking heritage. Whether you’re a returning attendee, joining in the fun for the first time in 2024, or planning to celebrate in Shetland in future years, this festival is a must-see for anyone interested in cultural celebrations, history, and unforgettable experiences.
How do you get to the Shetland Islands?
The most common ways to travel to the islands are either arriving by ferry or by getting flights to Shetland. At Airtask, we offer Shetland inter-island flights, operating passenger services between Lerwick, departing from Tingwall Airport, to both Foula and Fair Isle. For more information and flight scheduling, please click here.
Looking for something adventurous?
An adventure in Shetland isn’t just about its fiery celebrations; it’s also an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the expanse of awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you. Why not view all of the magnificent sights of the Shetland Islands from above?
Among the most awe-inspiring things to do in Shetland, is to take in the magnificent lochs, stunning beaches, historical sites and more from an aerial perspective. Call 01595 840246 or email lwk.ops@airtask.com to secure your place on the only scenic flights available in Shetland.