Celebrating St. Andrew's Day Around the World

St Andrew's Day, celebrated annually on November 30th, is a special occasion for Scots worldwide. As the patron saint of Scotland, St Andrew's Day is a time to honour Scottish heritage, culture, and identity. But how do people around the globe celebrate this day?

To explore the diverse ways St Andrew's Day is celebrated across the world, we've interviewed various Scottish societies and groups. From traditional customs to modern adaptations, we'll delve into the rich tapestry of St Andrew's Day traditions.

Join us as we journey through different cultures and communities, discovering the unique ways people honour St Andrew and the Scottish spirit.

Way back when, many Scots found themselves a new home in the North American colonies. Some were escaping tough times, others were running from trouble, and a few just wanted a fresh start. The Scots held tight to their traditions, forming clubs and societies to keep their culture alive. One of the earliest was the Scots Charitable Society of Boston, founded in 1657. Their main goal was to help fellow Scots who were down on their luck and to keep Scotland's good name shining bright. Soon, other societies popped up across the colonies, often named after our patron saint, St. Andrew. These Societies helped new arrivals adjust to their new lives, and sometimes even got involved in politics. The earliest St. Andrew's Societies in the USA were:

St. Andrew's Society of Charleston, South Carolina (1729): The St. Andrew's Society of Charleston, South Carolina, is credited with hosting the first St. Andrew's Day celebrations in the United States. Founded in 1729, the society brought Scottish traditions and culture to the American colonies, making it a significant milestone in the history of Scottish-American heritage.

St. Andrew's Society of Philadelphia (1747): One of the oldest St. Andrew's Societies in the United States, the society continues to promote Scottish culture and heritage. The Society, still active today, commissioned Terry Jones, a talented sculptor and fellow member, to design a memorial honouring Scottish immigrants. It depicts a Scottish family arriving in the New World, symbolising the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants. Located near Penn's Landing, it serves as a reminder of the significant contributions Scottish immigrants have made to American society. 

St. Andrew's Society of New York (1756): With notable members like Alexander Hamilton & Andrew Carnegie, the society has played a significant role in New York's history and Scottish-American culture. Meet the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York in our 2022 interview with Saltire Scholar & Society Intern Rui Martins. 

While the original purpose of these societies was to help immigrants, they've evolved over time. Today, they focus on preserving Scottish traditions, hosting events like Burns Night Suppers, Highland Games, and St. Andrew's Balls. These gatherings celebrate Scottish music, dance, folklore, and history, connecting people to their heritage and creating a sense of community.

While some societies still have strict membership requirements, many are more open to anyone interested in Scottish culture. This inclusivity ensures that the traditions and spirit of Scotland continue to thrive in America.

The Boston Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) has a rich history dating back to 1947. Founded by Jeanne Robertson Buchanan Carmichael, a Scottish immigrant, the Branch initially held small classes in a single room. Over time, it grew and became a vital part of the Scottish dance community in the United States. The Branch has played a significant role in preserving Scottish culture through dance, organising events like the Boston Highland Ball and co-sponsoring workshops at Pinewoods Camp. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Branch has shown resilience and continues to thrive, adapting to new technologies and exploring innovative ways to share the joy of Scottish country dancing with a wider audience.

We are delighted to be an official weaver and stockist of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and as a result 10% of every sale of the RSCDS tartan goes directly to the Charity to support their mission of "Growing a vibrant worldwide community of Scottish Dance and Music". 

Boston Highland Ball | 2011

Linda McJannet, President of Royal Scottish Country Dance Society [Boston Branch] joins us to tell us about their St Andrew's Day celebrations. 

What are some of the most popular traditions associated with St Andrew's Day celebrations in your RSCDS branch?

This year our St Andrew's Day concert takes place in Somerville, MA, on November 24 and features Scottish Fish, quintet of young fiddlers, Highland Dance Boston, and the Boston Scottish country Dancers (formerly known as the Demonstration Team). There is ceilidh dancing for all during the intermission and after the show. And complementary shortbread from Walkers!

Are there any local customs, dishes or drinks your RSCDS branch has incorporated in to your celebrations? 

Probably haggis, shortbread, and whisky, at private gatherings!

How long has your RSCDS branch been celebrating St Andrew's Day? 

Up to 1995, our main celebration was oriented to Burns Night. We hosted a concert at Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, with Jean Redpath, fiddler Alasdair Fraser,  and our performing group of dancers. When we moved to a different venue,  we also moved to a November date, closer to St. Andrews Day. 

Are there any particularly memorable St Andrew's Day celebrations your RSCDS branch has hosted? 

Last year's concert in Somerville (our first at this venue) attracted an intergenerational audience (kids, parents, and grandparents). When we invited people to try some ceilidh dances, 100 people got up to dance!

What does it feel like to be part of a global community celebrating St Andrew's Day on the same day? 

It feels great—and we are happy when sister organizations plan events in coordination with ours. Last year, the Scots Charitable Society, the oldest continuing charitable organization in the Western Hemisphere (founded in Massachusetts in 1657—not a typo!), coordinated its annual meeting and St Andrews dinner with our concert.
 

You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! There are branches of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society the world over, from Boston to Bombay, with classes, parties and balls open to all.

The St. Andrew Society of Colorado was founded in 1963 by a group of Scottish enthusiasts led by Dr. William Mackintosh. The society's initial focus was on preserving Scottish traditions and culture, with a particular emphasis on St. Andrew's Day celebrations and Burns Suppers. Dr. Mackintosh played a pivotal role in the society's early years, guiding its growth and development. He was instrumental in organizing the first St. Andrew's Ball and Burns Supper, which attracted significant interest and participation.

The St. Andrew Society of Colorado's Marketing Director, Samantha Hurst shares the societies celebrations with us. 

What are some of the most popular traditions associated with St Andrew's Day celebrations in your society?

At our St. Andrews event, we give out our piper, drummer, dancer, and tartan awards. Previously called Chieftain Awards for the piper, drummer, and dancer, our President will select from nominations for these categories each year. We now include our tartan award at this ceremony as well and that goes to a member who has been nominated for their outstanding dedication to keeping Scottish culture alive in the community, this year it was award to a member who is on the St. Andrews council, the Colorado Scottish festival council, and the president of the local pipe band, Denver & District Pipe Band. 

Are there any local customs, dishes or drinks your society has incorporated in to your celebrations? 

Our event also includes a whisky ceremony for these members once they are announced. Our whisky bearer pours the first dram for the President, then the president presents a dram to each of those winners and the master at arms. On most occasions, a dram is also given to each attendee, but it varies on venue rules. 

We have performances from a local pipe band (this year Denver & District) and our Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers (an auxiliary of SASC). This is always a lovely performance where we see two different organizations come together to perform. 

How long has your society been celebrating St Andrew's Day? 

The first general business meeting of the St. Andrew Society of Colorado was held on the 24th October, 1963. During this meeting arrangements for the first St. Andrew's Ball were announced and one hundred and fifty members and guests attended the first St. Andrew's Ball, held on November 30, 1963, to honour Scotland's patron saint.

What does it feel like to be part of a global community celebrating St Andrew's Day on the same day?
 

It's an amazing feeling really. Many of us are Scottish descent, but there are a good number of members who are from Scotland. Our Society gets to be a home for all of us to come together and celebrate our roots and build community. To know that this is happening all over the world for the same reasons, makes family and heritage stronger.  

While St. Andrew's Day has been celebrated in Scotland for centuries, it wasn't officially recognised as a public holiday until 2006. This decision was made to strengthen Scotland's national identity and promote Scottish culture. Since then, the day has increasingly become an opportunity for Scots to come together and celebrate their heritage through various events, such as ceilidhs, traditional music performances, and cultural exhibitions.

What are some of the most popular traditions associated with St Andrew's Day celebrations in your Charity?

We have a regular St Andrew’s Day ball, it’s biannual and brings together usually 100 - 200 people to celebrate St Andrew’s Day with dancing, music, good Scottish food and drink, and much cheer. We’ve held it across the UK, in London, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh and most recently in Perthshire. The evening usually starts with a kilted piper who plays while the guests arrive, and during the evening we dance to a band called SuperGrouse. The band includes a fiddler, piper, drummer and keyboard, all playing traditional Scottish tunes to which our guests dance reels, such as the Eightsome Reel, the Dashing White Sergeant, The Duke of Perth, and the much loved Reel of the 51st. 

This is a relatively modern reel invented by prisoners of war in the 2nd world war who entertained themselves in the prisoner of war camp by inventing a new reel. 

Fun fact, we had one of the descendants of the man who invented it at one of the balls we held in Edinburgh, a ‘reel’ privilege!

Are there any local customs, dishes or drinks your charity has incorporated in to your celebrations?

There is nearly always some haggis involved and wonderful traditional Scottish reeling. The men wear kilts and the ladies long dresses, often with some tartan too. At the end of the night we join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne. 

How long has your Charity been celebrating St Andrew's Day? 

The balls are held to raise funds for our Scottish charity, the Jo Walters Trust, which supports outdoor education in Scotland, as well as other projects in memory of Joanna Walters, who was killed in a cycling accident aged 28. The Trust was founded in 2011 and our first St Andrew’s Ball was in 2014. People give extremely generously to support the charity. 

Are there any particularly memorable St Andrew's Day celebrations your society has hosted?

We have held our balls in some wonderful venues but one of the most spectacular was in the main hall of the National Museum of Scotland where we had over 350 guests dancing amongst the exhibits. 

What does it feel like to be part of a global community celebrating St Andrew's Day on the same day?

It is wonderful to be part of such a tradition that combines the famous Scots hospitality with good cheer, dancing, food and drink. The dances are traditional but are ever evolving. It’s wonderful to see the tweaks and enhancements that younger generations bring to keep the tradition of Scottish dancing alive. 

St. Andrew's Day, celebrated annually on November 30th, is a significant occasion for Canadians of Scottish descent.

The first St. Andrew's Society in Canada was founded in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1798. Initially a mutual benefit society, it provided support to members through illness and funeral arrangements. It also assisted new arrivals and engaged in charitable work.

The St. Andrew's Society of Montreal, established in 1835, was influenced by the political climate of the time. It was formed as a social and charitable organisation for Scottish immigrants, mirroring similar societies for Irish and English communities. The society raised funds through annual dinners and used them to support the poor, particularly new arrivals.

Throughout the 19th century, St. Andrew's Societies were founded in various Canadian cities, including Hamilton, St. Catharine's, Toronto, Quebec City, Kingston, and Ottawa. These societies served as important social and business networks for Scottish immigrants, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity.

While the entire nation joins in the global celebration, the Province of Ontario took a notable step in 2021 by enacting Bill 208, officially proclaiming November 30th as Scottish Heritage Day.

An Act to proclaim Scottish Heritage Day

Preamble

Beginning in the 1700s, the Scottish Highland Clearances displaced many of its citizens, forcing them out of their homes with no means to support their families. Many looked to Canada to start a new life, settling in various locations across Upper Canada, joining their fellow countrymen who had fought for the Crown during the American War of Independence. 

Once they established their homes and livelihood, they immediately set about building schools to educate their children and helped to establish the institutions necessary to build a strong and secure country. Pride in their culture gave Scots a strong sense of identity and self-worth, which contributed to their success and left Upper Canada with firmly rooted Scottish traditions such as Highland games and competitions.

St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30th and is Scotland’s official national day.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Scottish Heritage Day

1) November 30 in each year is proclaimed as Scottish Heritage Day.

Commencement
2) This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title
3) The short title of this Act is the Scottish Heritage Day Act, 2021.
 

The Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club traces its roots back to the late 19th century, but it was in 1953, the year of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, that the club was formally established. A group of Scottish expatriates in Toronto, many of whom were experienced rugby players, came together to share their passion for the sport and introduce it to the local community. In the early years, the club quickly gained a reputation for excellence, attracting talented players from both Scotland and other parts of the world. The club continues to honor its Scottish heritage while embracing diversity and welcoming players from all backgrounds.

Emily joined the club during their 70th Anniversary celebrations in 2023 as part of our Canadian Tartan Tour. 

'Tis A Grand Old Team To Play For'! Find out more at www.torontoscottish.ca

Martin Blake, Alumni Director for Toronto Scottish R.F.C. shares the Club's celebrations with us. 

What are some of the most popular traditions associated with St Andrew's Day celebrations in your Club?

Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club hosts our Annual St. Andrew's Dinner & Awards Banquet in November every year, where we celebrate all things Scottish and the season we had that year, following the conclusion of our summer season. It is a time of general merriment and reverie, with good food, good times, and good friends.

Are there any local customs, dishes or drinks your Club has incorporated in to your celebrations?

The main feature of the annual event is our awards presentations, which recognize the top players and club members that have made a significant contribution to the club's success over the season. This year's St. Andrew's Dinner & Awards Banquet was held at the Duke of Cornwall Pub in Downtown Toronto, and we are grateful to have the Duke Pubs as our lead sponsor, a partnership we have cherished for many years. 

The event photography was masterfully carried out by the extremely talented Toronto Scottish RFC 's Women's Team player Grace Ferrigan.

How long has your club been celebrating St Andrew's Day? 

Toronto Scottish R.F.C. was established in 1953, and fields 3 Men's teams, as well as Women's, & Junior Rugby sides in mid-town Toronto, with the season running from April through October. Combining our Awards Banquet with our Annual St. Andrew's Dinner is a long standing tradition. 

We've explored the rich tapestry of St. Andrew's Day celebrations, from formal dinners and balls to lively ceilidhs and cultural performances. But this is just a glimpse into the global celebration of St. Andrew's Day.

We invite other Scottish societies and groups around the world to share their unique St. Andrew's Day traditions and experiences. By sharing your stories, you can help us paint a more complete picture of how this special day is celebrated across the globe. 
 

Together, let's continue to honour St. Andrew and the enduring spirit of Scotland.