It is a huge honour and usually a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the Jarl Squad, and the members take it very seriously. His squad spends on average 2 years designing and making their Viking outfits, and they are spectacular. He carries a gleaming silver shield emblazoned with the emblematic raven, and wields a battle axe. The Guizer Jarl wears a silver helmet adorned on each side with raven wings. The Jarl Squad are the Vikings of the day. Central to the event is the Jarl Squad, lead by the revered purveyor of the event and Cheif Guizer the Guizer Jarl. The celebrations revolve around squads of “Guizers”, costumed men who have spent months preparing an act to preform throughout Up Helly Aa night in a succession of halls throughout the town. Up Helly Aa is a mad, raucous, and jaw-droppingly remarkable celebration, and one that is ingrained in Shetland culture and identity.
This is the day to celebrate a proud Viking heritage, and to burn away the cold of winter with a rip-roaring fire festival. Today is one of the most important and anticipated days in Shetland’s calendar.
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