Up Helly Aa 2000

The "Jarl Squad" of guizers - Shetlanders dressed in viking costume - set fire to The Galley, a 30-foot wooden longship, whilst singing the "The Norseman's Home" in Lerwick, Shetland Isles, as part of the traditional pagan festival of Up Helly Aa. * Up Helly Aa originated as a Norse pagan festival and was then adopted by Christians to celebrate the end of the Christian Holy period with feasting and bonfires. 30/01/01: The annual event, held on the last Tuesday of January, which attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, sees the key participants dress up in full Norse costume and culminates in the burning of a Viking galley.