The highlight of the festival was the burning of the drakkar, a traditional Viking ship, during a march where torchbearers in costumes paraded through the town of Lerwick, carrying flaming torches.
The history of the festival began in the 1880s as a way to mark the end of the Yule season according to the old calendar and to honor the Viking culture of Scotland. Volunteers actively participate in the preparations, building the drakkar and making over a thousand torches for the event.
Up Helly Aa is considered one of the most impressive cultural events of the winter season in Europe and annually attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the world.
