The Viking festival returns to Lerwick, a port town in the Shetland Islands, northern Scotland, after a two-year absence due to Covid and with a new feature: women are now allowed in the procession. The festival, known as "Up Helly Aa," is celebrated on the last Tuesday of January with participants, who must be local, recreating the town’s ancient Viking past, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century. "It's an absolute privilege" says Gary Smith, a member of the Jarl Squad, the most prestigeous in the parade, "it's so good to be among family and friends and celebrating this wonderful day." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES