Up Helly Aa: Hundreds of 'Vikings' march in the Shetland Islands
Hundreds of costumed warriors brandishing axes and blue shields marched through Lerwick in the Shetland Islands to celebrate the region's Viking heritage. The raucous spectacle started with a march through the town and culminated with a burning of a replica Viking galley. Celebrations do not end until 8am the next morning. The day after Up Helly Aa is a public holiday in Lerwick, designated for recovery.