The Scottish Fire Festival Aphellio is an annual festival held on the last Tuesday of January in Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Today it is one of the largest fire festivals in Europe.

Aphellio is dedicated to the Vikings of Scandinavia, who first landed on the Shetland Islands in the 9th century. However, this holiday began to be celebrated only in the 19th century.

About 1000 people dressed in traditional Viking costumes take part in the solemn procession on Aphellio

Locals prepare for Aphellio in advance. A boat is made especially for this holiday – a life-size Viking warship (more than 30 feet in length). On the day of the holiday, the boat is taken out into the street and, to the sound of traditional Scottish military bugles, carried through the entire city to the sea. The boat is accompanied by costumed warriors – Vikings and other traditionally dressed festival participants (which is about 1000 people!). In the evening, the wooden boat is ceremonially set on fire, paying tribute to the ancient Viking tradition of burning dead warriors and leaders. The fire turns out to be simply huge. This festival attracts a large number of tourists from other countries and cities to Lerwick.

If you are interested in such festivals, then MashaPasha.com also advises you to visit Florence Wagon Explosion Festival and the colorful La Merce Festival in Barcelona.