Hop Day Celebrations
Folks gather in village halls to hear music, enjoy dances and local food; visitors experience Shetland hospitality and community festival atmosphere.
Delting Fire Festival
Delting Up Helly Aa
Brae, United Kingdom
Mar 20 - 21, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each year, the Shetland village of Brae and its neighbors blaze with the Delting Up Helly Aa, a midwinter fire festival. Costumed Viking guizers carry flaming torches through the dark in a great procession that ends with the burning of a longship, in a fiery celebration of the islands' deep Norse heritage.
Media proof note
The Delting Fire Festival record is date-tracked, but stronger reviewed Field Guide media would make it easier to inspect.
About media standardsKey moments
Torchlit Procession and Galley Burning
Spectators line the streets to watch the flaming torch procession and the dramatic burning of the Viking ship, a highlight of Shetland’s fire festivals.
Where it happens
Delting Boating Club
Brae, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Respect local boundaries
Local Guising costume not required
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
REGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Delting Fire Festival
Delting Up Helly Aa
Brae, United Kingdom
Each year, the Shetland village of Brae and its neighbors blaze with the Delting Up Helly Aa, a midwinter fire festival. Costumed Viking guizers carry flaming torches through the dark in a great procession that ends with the burning of a longship, in a fiery celebration of the islands' deep Norse heritage.
Media pendingMedia proof still incomplete
Under the radarStill under the radar
Mar 20 - 21, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Part of Shetland’s winter fire festival tradition, reflecting Norse heritage and local identity. Each clanship designs a Viking ship and builds torches throughout the year. Community participation is strong, with both men and women in squads from all ages; the jarl squad leads the procession. In Delting’s case, the festival includes communities of Mossbank, Muckle Roe, Vidlin, Voe and Brae.
Key moments to know
Hop Day Celebrations
Folks gather in village halls to hear music, enjoy dances and local food; visitors experience Shetland hospitality and community festival atmosphere.
Torchlit Procession and Galley Burning
Spectators line the streets to watch the flaming torch procession and the dramatic burning of the Viking ship, a highlight of Shetland’s fire festivals.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Respect local boundaries
Local Guising costume not required
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Mar 20 - 21, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Brae
Scotland
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Moderate visitor welcome
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