Participants dressed as Vikings march past during the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands on Jan. 29, 2013. Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands. (Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images)

Armed with battle axes and shields and clad in armor and a helm, the guizers of Lerwick will soon be taking to the streets by the hundreds to celebrate Up Helly Aa, Europe's largest fire festival.

The annual festival has been held since the 1880s and has been canceled only three times -- for Queen Victoria's death in 1901, and during the First and Second World Wars, said the Scotland Office of Tourism. The organizers take pride in announcing that the weather, no matter how inclement (and in the wintertime the Shetland Islands see their share of snow, sleet and rain), is never a reason for postponement.

Up Helly Aa draws on the shared Norse and Scottish heritage of the region and requires elaborate costumes and the burning of a beautiful galley ship. According to The Guardian, the festivities stretch back for centuries, but the Viking theme wasn't added until the late 19th century, when a group of people revived the Nordic traditions of the past. The event takes place on the last Tuesday of January every year and runs for more than 24 hours.

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The day begins with marches by the costumed guizers, who are led by the Guizer Jarl, whose costume is kept a secret until the day of the event. Toward the evening the guizers light torches and march around the dragon-head galley ship, which was built over the course of four months and painted to match the Guizer Jarl's costume, said the Up Helly Aa website.

After forming a circle around the galley ship and signing "The Norseman's Home," the guizers throw their lit torches onto the doomed ship, resulting in a roaring bonfire. The 1,000 torches are made in advance from hessian sacks and soaked with fuel to ensure the galley burns.

Once the ship has been consumed by the flames, the guizers take to town halls where they'll put on performances and comedy sketches. According to the Shetland Tourism Office, the guizers have an obligation to dance with at least one local lady in between shows and eating and drinking.

To witness or participate in the raucous Viking celebration, visit Lerwick, Shetland this January 28. The event itself is free, but tickets to enter the halls are £30.

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