Ghost of a flea: Up Helly Aa

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January 29, 2004

Up Helly Aa

I just cannot get enough of that viking bonfire action. Up Helly Aa looks like loads of fun.

Locals dressed as Vikings are silhouetted against a burning replica Viking galley, during the Up Helly Aa celebrations in Lerwick, Shetland, January, 27, 2004. The festival, introduced by men returning from the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, takes place annually on the last Tuesday of January. The climax of the day comes with the participants, wearing costumes and bearing flaming torches, dragging a Viking galley through the streets of Lerwick to a designated point where it will be ceremonially burnt.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at January 29, 2004 01:19 PM

Comments

Hi Nicholas,

As I am of Norwegian descent, I often hear the debate over whether Vikings had horns on their helmets.

Samples:

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/horned_helmets.htm

http://www.bluetail.com/~rv/viking-helmets/

http://www.mnh.si.edu/vikings/voyage/subset/legend/archeo.html

Care to weigh in one way or the other?

Posted by: Eric Scheie at January 30, 2004 04:00 PM

can you help me , i am trying to find photographs and other material on up helly aa years 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 can you help me with this problem i have both junior and senior up helly aas
thankyou in advance
EVA

Posted by: EVA at February 1, 2004 07:56 AM

Eva,

For photos contact Dennis Coutts. john.coutts@btopenworld.com. For information contact info@shetland-times.co.uk

Hope this helps

Posted by: JAX at February 6, 2004 07:43 PM