Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands and culminates with up to 1,000 \"guizers\" (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into their Viking longboat and setting it alight later in the evening.
Up Helly Aa Viking Festival Participants dressed as Vikings pose for a picture before participating in the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Jan. 28, 2014. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Members of the Viking Jarl Squad surround their leader or "Guizer Jarl" on a Viking galley ship during the annual Up Helly Aa Festival in the Shetland Islands. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Participants dressed as Vikings process around their longboat during the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Members of the Viking Jarl Squad surround their leader or 'Guizer Jarl' on a Viking galley ship. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
A Up Helly Aa participant prepares for battle. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Members of the Jarl viking squad are illuminated by burning torches. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Members of the Viking Jarl Squad surround a burning viking galley ship. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Young participants take part in a Viking procession. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Participants dressed as Vikings prepare to participate in the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Jan. 28, 2014.(Getty Images)
Getty Images
Multi-generational Vikings eat breakfast as they prepare to participate in the annual Up Helly Aa festival. (Getty Images)
Getty Images