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Another costumed member of the "Jarl Squad" shouts as he attends the festivities. The head of the festival is called the "Guizer Jarl," or "disguised earl." Every year on the last Tuesday in January, more than 800 costumed men -- no women allowed -- march through the streets, brandishing torches.

Andrew Milligan, PA / AP

The islands were invaded by Viking raiders from Scandinavia in the late eighth and ninth centuries, and the Norse influence remained strong for hundreds of years. Here, a member of the "Jarl Squad" attends the annual procession, in which a 30-foot wooden replica of a Viking ship is dragged through the streets of Lerwick.

Andrew Milligan, PA / AP

Another costumed member of the "Jarl Squad" shouts as he attends the festivities. The head of the festival is called the "Guizer Jarl," or "disguised earl." Every year on the last Tuesday in January, more than 800 costumed men -- no women allowed -- march through the streets, brandishing torches.

Andrew Milligan, PA / AP

The torchbearers carry their flames to the replica longship, then toss the brands into the boat. Up Hella Aa has been held since the 19th century to mark the end of the Yule season, but the exact origins of the festival are obscure. Still, any excuse for a party!

Andrew Milligan, PA / AP

Here, the longship burns as hundreds of revelers watch. The next order of business: to drink and dance till dawn. (Sources: AP, BBC, VisitShetland.com, UpHellyAa.org)

Andrew Milligan, PA / AP