Up Helly Aa has been and gone again. It’s always on the last Tuesday of January and brightens some of the darkest days in the British winter. Shetland being so far north, it gets even gloomier than Manchester. Something hard to believe with the gloomy, drizzly weather we’ve been having lately.
Last year I was fortunate to be able to spend a week in Shetland and attend the festivities. I got to have one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life (and there have been a few!) and to cross a challenge off my 60 things to do before I’m 60 list.
I’ve been following it closely online this year and wishing I was there. I’ve just been reminiscing with my photos. The low light, rain and fast moving Vikings made it difficult to get good photos, but even the worst photos have good memories behind them and I love looking back at them. I’ve selected a few of the better ones and have put together a Flickr album.
I’ve written a few other posts on Up Helly Aa and they can be found by clicking on the links below.
After my trip last year, I wrote about the day and the night parts of the festival.
I’ve also written an overview of what Up Helly Aa is.
My potted history of the festival can be found here.
The Up Helly Aa website can be found here.
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I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of Helly Aa. Sounds like quite an experience!
Definitely an experience! Shetland’s great for walking too – though maybe not at this time of year 🙂