Called "Up Helly Aa", or "fire festival", this festival celebrates the Viking history of this British archipelago located between northern Scotland and Norway.
The Shetland Islands were conquered by the Vikings sometime in the 9th century and remained Norwegian for six centuries, before the Scots took control in 1472.
Organized every last Tuesday of January since the end of the 19th century, the festival culminates with a parade of several hundred people dressed as Viking warriors, brandishing swords and shields.
The march is opened by the "Guizer Jarl", the Viking leader.
It continues with a torchlight procession and the firing of a drakkar specially built for the occasion.
The party will continue until dawn with dances.
The "Guizer Jarl", the Viking leader, opens the Up Helly Aa festival parade in Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands, in the north of Scotland, on January 31, 2023 © Andy Buchanan / AFP
The festival decided last year to relax the tradition that allowed only men to take part in the procession.
"This is something our community members have been asking for for a long time," a festival spokesperson explained.
However, no woman has taken her place in the main squad, which opens the procession.
According to festival organizers, this is because it was formed in 2021, before women were allowed.
"Of course it's a very, very traditional event, but yes, it's too late," judge Janet Smith, a student interviewed by AFP about the opening of the procession to women.
"The atmosphere is so good in town," rejoices for his part Gary Smith, who is part of the main squad.
"It's so good to be with family and friends and celebrate this wonderful day," he told AFP, Viking helmet screwed on his head.
© 2023 AFP