Culture clash
The Christmas markets are over, carnival -season is not here yet. These winter celebrations will help to keep boredom at bay.
Dancing firebrands
At the Up Helly Aa celebrations in Lerwick, the Shetland Islands’ capital, a flaming torch parade is followed by a Viking ship being set alight, then drinking and dancing till dawn, which arrives very late up there on January 29.
Reindeer Revels
The 400-year-old Sami winter market in Jokkmokk, nothern Sweden (February 7 through 9) celebrates everything reindeer, including pelts, meat, racesand parades.
Furry Fun
Originally a big fur traders’ market, the Fur Rendezvous, aka Rondy, is now Alaska’s biggest winter party. Held in Anchorage from February 22 through March 3, the event ends on a climax with the legendary Iditarod dogsled race.
