Burns Night

Summary

When? 25 January
Where? Scotland
How? Poetry reading, dancing and bagpipe music. People enjoy a Burns supper.

History

Every year on 25 January, Scotland celebrates one of its most famous poets, Robert Burns, and his works.

On this day people attend poetry readings, go dancing and enjoy bagpipe music. In the evening it's time for dinner or supper. This is the most important part of the day for many Scots, therefore, the holiday is also referred to as Burns Supper.

At supper people usually enjoy a traditional three-course meal. As a starter people eat a traditional Scottish soup such as Scotch broth or cock-a-leekie soup.

The main course is haggis accompanied by neeps and tatties. When the haggis is brought in, the guests will stand and the host will read 'Address to a Haggis' - a poem by Robert Burns - out loud. Throughout the meal people drink Scottish whiskey.

For dessert people usually enjoy a traditionally Scottish dish, such as cranachan or clootie dumpling.

After dinner people drink coffee and give toasts. One of the most famous toasts that evening is 'Toast to the Lassies'. In this humorous toast a man praises the role of women in the world today using quotes from Burns's work.