Viking-Style Burning Man? The Norse Kings Come Alive At This Century-Old Festival!

The vikings live on! Atleast in Scotland they do.

Ever wondered what a viking-style Burning Man would look like? Thanks to Scotland’s ‘Up Helly Aa’ Festival, you can now live it.

The Shetland islands in the extreme north of Scotland has been a long time target for Vikings over the course of centuries. However, today, the only people keen to invade the land are festival enthusiasts.

Scotland’s annual ‘Up Helly Aa’ brought the energy and adventure to 2017 on a whole different level. Taking place annually on the last Tuesday of every January, the festival celebrated the viking culture in all its glory. From the elaborate costumes to the bold practices; Up Helly Aa takes role-play to new heights!

Fire and ice being a central theme of this festival, the event features costumed warriors that are decked up in fur, leather, steel, natch and known as the Jarl Squad. These vikings are led by Guizer Jarl and use fire torches to set the traditional longboat aflame.

How did such a festival come about?

Let’s embark on a journey with the vikings, as the history of this festival goes back hundreds of years. Originally started as a Yule-time party, the festival featured sailors and soldiers creating havoc on the street, armed with a precarious combination of booze and fire.

As one can expect, a scenario of complete freedom such as this, eventually burst a little out of control. In fact, back in 1824, a visiting Methodist missionary even commented on the state of affairs, saying “The whole town was in an uproar: from twelve o’clock last night until late this night blowing of horns, beating of drums, tinkling of old tin kettles, firing of guns, shouting, bawling, fiddling, fifing, drinking, fighting. This was the state of the town all the night—the street was as thronged with people as any fair I ever saw in England.”

To curb the chaos, the people instated themes, order and a date that didn’t coincide with the holiday season. In 1870, an elite group of party planners introduced viking theme. This time, featured ‘Guizing’– an element of disguise for which festival-goers don full-horned regalia.

Thereby giving birth to the festival that is today known as “Up Helly Aa”. Intriguing isn’t it? What’s great is that even the famous torch-lighting practice of today has history to it! Turns out, it was the 1840 ritual of burning tar barrels that inspired the torch processions of today.

What has changed for the festival in today’s times?

From beating drums to wielding swords, barrel-chested men to war cries; the festival takes you in a fantasy world like no other! Featuring visitors and residents alike parading through the streets in full gear and costumes, the whole event leads up to the epic burning of a massive, painstakingly constructed viking war boat lit afire by 1,000 torches. With these elaborate rituals, the festival has become the biggest fire festival in Europe!

Not to forget, the after-parties that go on till dawn and filled with booze and testosterone!

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