The Vikings are on the loose again, at least in the Shetland
Islands, where the locals revel in reliving the Middle Ages once
every year. On the last Tuesday of January, the men dress as
Norsemen complete with axes and torches, to celebrate
Up Helly Aa, a traditional festival of fire. Carrying a longboat
through the streets of Lerwick while gathering up to 1000
paraders, the participants march through the town and at the
end of the procession throw their torches into the vessel, setting
it ablaze in a spectacular offering to the gods of old. The women
rejoin their men in the local pubs where the celebration
continues well into the night. PHOTOS: JEFF MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES
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