Experience the rich cultural heritage of Shetland through Up Helly Aa festivities.
Celebrating Up Helly Aa: A Shetland Tradition of Fire and Community
As winter fades and the promise of spring emerges, the Shetland Islands prepare for one of their most cherished traditions: Up Helly Aa. This vibrant fire festival, celebrated annually in Lerwick, showcases the rich Norse and Scottish heritage of the region, drawing visitors from around the globe.
This year, the festival promises to be as spectacular as ever, with the Viking galley set to be burned in a grand ceremony that encapsulates the spirit of community and celebration.
The Heart of Up Helly Aa
At the core of Up Helly Aa is a sense of community that has been cultivated over decades.
Local residents, like 71-year-old Rhoda Watt and her husband John, have been part of this tradition for many years. Rhoda, who grew up in Yell, recalls her first experience of the festival as “breathtaking.” The couple, who have lived in Shetland their entire lives, have countless stories to share about the festival’s evolution and the joy it brings to the community.
John’s involvement began at a young age when he became a fiddlebox carrier, a role that requires him to assist the Jarl Squad in their festivities. He fondly remembers the camaraderie and the excitement of being part of something larger than himself. “It was a sense of community with the squad,” he reflects, highlighting how the festival fosters connections among participants and spectators alike.
A Unique Celebration
While other islands in Shetland have their own versions of Up Helly Aa, none compare to the grandeur of Lerwick’s celebration. The festival features a spectacular procession, complete with the sounds of bagpipes and the Viking roar from participants, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and deeply rooted in tradition. This year, the festivities will be led by Guizer Jarl Calum Grains, who will guide the procession through the streets of Lerwick.
As the Jarl Squad marches, the community comes together to cheer and celebrate. The event not only honors the Viking heritage of Shetland but also serves as a reminder of the island’s unique cultural identity. The blend of Norse and Scottish influences is palpable, making Up Helly Aa a truly special occasion for locals and visitors alike.
Memories and Traditions
For many, Up Helly Aa is a time to reminisce about past celebrations. Rhoda and John share humorous anecdotes from their years of participation, including memorable moments from hall parties and the antics of the Jarl Squad. Rhoda recalls her time hosting parties at the Lerwick Ferry Terminal, where she spent hours preparing food for the festivities. “I’m not telling some of them,” she laughs, hinting at the wild stories that accompany the festival.
As the couple prepares to watch this year’s event from their home, they reflect on how the festival has come full circle. Their grandson Frankie, who participated in the junior Jarl Squad last year, is now a fiddlebox carrier, continuing the family tradition. This generational connection underscores the importance of Up Helly Aa in fostering community bonds and preserving cultural heritage.
As the night unfolds, the streets of Lerwick will be filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of community spirit. Up Helly Aa is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, history, and the enduring connections that bind the people of Shetland together.
