Up-Helly-Aa. 28 - 29 January
Is an old fire festival held on the Isles Shetland ,It is a Derivative of the Yule-tide festival.Celebrating the triumph of the Sun over darkness and Winter. It pays tribute to the ancient Viking Gods and Goddesses. They began with a torch light procession that ended at bonfires,culminating with the burning of a replica Viking ship. It was believed that the fire would dispell evil spirits from the villagers and their homes. Festivities usually ended with a great feast and dancing until dawn.
Blessings from Portsmouth
RE: Up-Helly-Aa Festival 28 -29 Jan
Thanks for posting this oakapple. I hadn't heard of this festival before - it sounds very interesting.
I found some information in this link:
[link= http://eventsuk.britishairways.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=22534 ]http://eventsuk.britishairways.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=22534[/link]
The Up Helly Aa is said by some to hark back to an ancient Viking practice of burning a galley as a sacrifice to the sun; others maintain it is held to herald the beginning of spring.
I also found areview of last year's festival with some super pictures:
[link= http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/38809.html ]http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/38809.html[/link]
Best wishes
x