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STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

The Up Helly Aa festival, introduced by men returning from the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, takes place annually on the last Tuesday of January.

Some like to drink, others like to set Viking boats on fire. Check out these amazing images from the unusual festival of Up Helly Aa.

So it seems that the vikings are back in business, even if it is for just a day. According to a tradition that dates back to 1881, on every last tuesday of January, Scotland's Shetland Islands celebrate Europe's largest fire festival, Up Helly Aa.

We bring you stunning images from this rather unusual festival! Keep clicking!

STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

Guizer Jarl Stephen Grant stands on a viking longboat before it is sent on fire during during the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Up Helly Aa is Europe's largest fire festival and as its website describes, 'is many things to many people'.

"Throughout the day there are experiences a plenty to be had by all from the celebration of our history, the sight of the Guizer Jarl, his Jarl Squad marching through the town followed by his galley to the evening party atmosphere in the halls," it reads.

STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

Jarl Squad vikings light up their torches during the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland.

The festival is said to have been introduced by men returning from the Napoleonic Wars and involves, among other things, setting a replica of a Viking ship alight!

STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

In all these years, the festival has been cancelled on three occasions -- in 1901, when Queen Victoria died, between 1914 and 1919 during the First World War and from 1940 to 1948 during the Second World War.

STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

Flames engulf a viking longboat as it is set on fire during the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

There also been few postponements -- in 1900, the festival was delayed by two weeks due to an outbreak of influenza, in 1936 for two weeks again, this time to mourn the death of George V and finally in 1965 for a week due to the death of Winston Churchill.

STUNNING PICS: How to set a Viking boat on fire!

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 11:39 IST

Flames engulf the dragon's head on a viking longboat as it is set on fire during the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland.

The Up Helly Aa day concludes with the burning of a galley. For hours after this, there are dance performances and celebrations in halls throughout Lerwick. The following Wednesday is a public holiday in Lerwick to allow for recovery.