What is Up Helly Aa in Shetland?

What is Up Helly Aa in Shetland?

Up Helly Aa (meaning Up Holy Day) is a huge spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a demonstration of islanders’ skills.

Is Up Helly Aa 2021 Cancelled?

Up Helly Aa is the biggest of the fire festivals that take place in the winter months in Shetland. This Viking themed fire festival takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January – but is cancelled in 2021 and 2022.

Is Up Helly Aa 2022 Cancelled?

Up Helly Aa 2022 Postponed Due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the guidelines of hosting events and festivals during the release phases of Covid-19 it has been decided to postpone the festival until January 2023.

When was Up Helly Aa Cancelled?

The 2022 festival due to take place on Tuesday January 25, 2022 has been put off due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the guidelines of hosting events and festivals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Organisers say they plan to postpone the festival until January 2023.

What is burned at Up Helly A?

imitation Viking galley
Each festival involves a torchlit procession by squads of costumed participants (known as guizers) that culminates in the burning of an imitation Viking galley.

Are shetlanders Vikings?

Shetland, like neighbouring Orkney, was once a Viking stronghold and the imprint they left on the islands still exists to this day. The names of places, geographical features, birds and parts of boats have Scandinavian roots, as do many personal names.

How do I get to Shetland?

You can travel to Shetland either by ferry or you can fly from all major cities in Scotland. The main ferry service is daily between Aberdeen and Lerwick and is operated by Northlink Ferries. The crossing takes about 12 hours on a direct overnight sailing.

Where is Shetland Wool Week held?

Shetland Museum and Archives
The HUB is a great place to relax, knit and meet fellow Wool Weekers. Located in the Gadderie at the Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick, it is open from 10am – 7pm.

How do you celebrate Helly Aa?

On the day of an Up Helly Aa festival, squads gather together for the torchlight procession, marching through the streets while carrying wooden posts topped with paraffin-soaked sacking. Each squad is dressed in themed costumes and they are referred to as guizers.

What date is Up Helly Aa 2021?

Up Helly Aa 2021, due to be held on Tuesday 26th January, has been postponed for a year. The Up Helly Aa Committee made the unanimous decision following a period of consultation with key partners of the festival.

Why do they burn the boat in Up Helly Aa?

Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands. Members of the Jarl Squad march through the streets of Lerwick. The Jarl squad begin to light torches. The Jarl squad light their torches.

Is Shetland Scottish or Norwegian?

Shetland (Old Norse: Hjaltland), also called the Shetland Islands and formerly Zetland, is a subarctic archipelago in the Northern Atlantic, between Great Britain, the Faroe Islands and Norway….Shetland.

What is Lerwick Up Helly Aa?

What is Lerwick Up Helly Aa? Lerwick Up Helly Aa is a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of islanders’ skills and spirit. This northern Mardi Gras, run entirely by volunteers, lasts just one day (and all the following night).

What is Up Helly Aa?

Welcome to the official website for Up Helly Aa, which takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year. Up Helly Aa day involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley.

Will Up Helly Aa return in 2023?

It is only now we can start planning with some hope and confidence for the event to return in 2023. The date of the next festival will be Tuesday 31st January 2023. Welcome to the official website for Up Helly Aa, which takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year.