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Scotland's festival of fire

January 28, 2014 / 11:56 AM EST / CBS News

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, Jan. 28, 2014.

The traditional festival of fire is known as "Up Helly Aa." The spectacular event takes place annually on the last Tuesday of January. The climax of the day comes with participants in full costume hauling a Viking longboat through the streets of Lerwick to the edge of town where up to 1000 people parade and throw their flaming torches into the galley.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

The Guizer Jarl, Ivor Cluness and his Jarl Squad march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings prepare to march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings prepare to march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings prepare to march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings visit the British Legion as they march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings pose in the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

The Guizer Jarl, Ivor Cluness and his Jarl Squad march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings pose in the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings prepare to march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings pose in the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings prepare to march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings visit the British Legion as they march through the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings pose in the streets of Lerwick.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Locals dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick.