We missed the big annual fire festival (Up Helly Aa) in Lerwick this year - it happened just before we arrived. But the communities around Shetland have their own smaller festivals, and we got to see some of one yesterday.
Nesting and Girlsta Up Helly Aa
On the day of the fire festival, the Guizer Jarl and his squad tour the area schools. Which is a good thing - they spend a whole year making elaborate costumes, shields, weapons and helmets for that year. They deserve to be seen and admired closely in the light. At Tingwall school, all 85 students and their teachers came into the hall. Then the musicians arrived. Finally, the squad pored in, sang the Up Helly Aa song and did their battle cry. Then they circulated to talk to the crowd. We got to talk to the Guizer Jarl, his wife, his son, his niece and several others in his squad.
Afterwards, we went to Nesting Primary School and found the galley in the playground. Last night, after a big procession, the galley was burned. It feels sad to me - but it must feel really dramatic. And I can see the point of a fire festival when it's been so dark and gray for so many months.
Next up: A Thursday
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