Long after the revel-rousing and throbbing heads have subsided in towns and cities across the country, in the far-flung Northerly isles of Shetland, locals are dressing up in Viking garb, lighting their fire torches and preparing to drag a galley through the dark streets for a dramatic ceremonial burning. It has been suggested that the Up Helly Aa is a relatively new festival, whose riotous elements were introduced by men returning from the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th Century (see history link below). In subsequent years, it grew and adapted to reflect the strong cultural links between Shetland and its neighbouring Scandanavian Nations. The festival takes place each year on the last Tuesday of January. Up to 1000 costumed "guizers", bearing flaming torchs, drag a Viking galley through the dark streets of the Shetland capital. They are led by a horde of vikings wearing traditional garb, winged helmets, sheepskins and carrying axes and shields. At a designated burning point in the town, the torches are thrown into the galley, following which the 40 plus squads visit the 11 local halls and perform raucous sketches to entertain their hosts. Aye we Scots know how to enjoy ourselves :)