When we’re getting snowed under and hit by frost, Scotland is already greeting spring. In honor of the season of renewal and blossoming, the traditional Fire Festival takes place there-a picturesque, bright celebration that is over 1,000 years old.
Since Viking times, the fire celebrations haven’t changed much. At dusk, numerous torches light the streets of Scottish villages and cities as people bring light from far off to the central square.
And though usually such acts would be considered a crime and be defined as arson, not on this day. For it is then that an old Viking ship, built specially for this ceremony, is set on fire in the central square.