Celebrating Saint Andrew’s Day
St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated nationally in Scotland, with feasts every November 30th. Aside from that, it is the national day of Scotland. This day marks the beginning of Scotland becoming a nation. When the leaves start falling to the ground, and the wind cools, the Scots begin the commemoration of their national day. The variations of this holiday are celebrated in Romania, Austria, Germany, Russia, and Poland.
It is important to have holiday traditions because they are part of global cultures and family identities. You can discover more information about public holidays in the UK this day right now.
What is St. Andrew’s Day in the United Kingdom All About?
St. Andrew was a disciple of Jesus, and he was a fisherman in Galilee. His brother was Peter, who is also a disciple. After the crucifixion of Christ, legend says that Andrew journeyed to Greece and preached about Christianity, where they crucified him in the shape of an X for believing in a place called Patras. However, the cross that is X-shaped contributed a little to St. Andrew’s early legends and in earlier versions of the tale. Andrew was not nailed on a cross, but on a tree.
It is unclear how he was recognized as the patron saint because there are several stories about it.
After 300 years, the death of Emperor Constantine removed the bones of Andrew to Constantinople. However, legend says that St. Regulus, a monk, dreamed that an angel warned him about removing as many bones as he could to the ends of the earth, so they stay safe.
According to the Greeks and Romans, Scotland was near the edge of the world, where his remains were taken. St. Regulus carried the relics ashore. That place is now what they call St. Andrew’s and built a chapel where the bones were housed, and then a cathedral was built in 1160. St. Andrew’s was Scotland’s religious capital, and people go there for a pilgrimage.
How to Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day in the United Kingdom and Things to Do
Celebrate at St. Andrew’s
The best way to celebrate tScotland’spatron saint is to go to the town that has its name. You can join the 6-day events dedicated to St. Andrew with ‘Beating the Retreat,’ which is a band parade that is open-air and snakes through the town. After that, you can dance away in Scotland at the biggest open-air ceilidh, or sing at the street party, which features top artists. There is an Open Doors event, where there are local buildings that open across town, so you can explore them.
St. Andrew’s Food
St. Andrew’s Day is full of celebrations about the culture of the Scottish people, and food is a big part of the celebration. The traditional dishes that are served include haggis, cullen skink, lamb, tatties, neeps, and more.
Cullen skink is a creamy soup with fish made of potatoes, smoked haddock, and onions. Larme can be served in different forms, like soup or meatballs. Haggis is Scotland’s traditional food, with savory pudding in a casing with onion, sheep’s lung, oatmeal, and other ingredients. The neeps and tatties are potatoes and turnips that are boiled and mashed.
Listen to St. Andrew’s Day Music
Ceilidh is pronounced as “kay-lee,” which comes from the Gaelic word, which means “to party” or “to visit” is Scotland’s traditional country dance that is about fun. These events are often held during St. Andrew’s Day, which involves Scottish folk music with dancing, modern pop music, and storytelling. With some flair, people normally wear an iconic kit. This is a lively event you would not want to miss.
There are many other things to do in Scotland today, but these are ideas to start you off.
How St. Andrew’s Day in the United Kingdom is Celebrated
The irony is that Scotland’s patron saint has never been there when he was still alive, but the Scots partied and feasted in his honor since 1000 AD. Scotland was recognized as an independent nation by the Declaration of Arbroath, and he was the official patron saint of the nation.
The different Scotland regions will have certain events and traditions that commemorate St. Andrew’s. For example, in East Lothian, the yearly Saltire Festival is focused on Scotland’s rich heritage in sports and art, with a night run of 10 km, crafting workshops, golfing tournaments, and traditional music performances.
In Glasgow, Scotland, there will be events, which include one-ff film screenings and special events happening at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. There are also events at the Kelvingrove Park and Riverside Museum. You can taste delicious food and drinks offered by Scotland’s finest producers and immerse yourself in everything Scottish. The Oban Winter Festival is also a community affair with a whisky festive of haggis and performers’ tastings.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating St. Andrew’s Day in the United Kingdom
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, where there are storytelling events and traditional music with food and drink markets that offer sweet treats, street food, and seasonal crafts. This day of celebration starts during the winter season, and it includes Hogmanay and Christmas. It becomes a festive visit. There is also the Saltire Festival in the area, just outside the city, where they celebrate Scotland’s culture, heritage, traditions, and delicious foods.
St. Andrew’s Day has a lot of fun activities and events you can go to. You can have a nice experience and try not to miss out on this important day in Scotland.
