Society of St Andrew Scotland Queensland, whose 75th Anniversary Ball is pictured above, are planning a St Andrew’s Eve Ball to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Friday, November 24th. 
Pic: Society of St Andrew Scotland Queensland website

AT A GLANCE:

• Andrew was a fisherman who met Jesus, recognised him as the Messiah and became the first Apostle.

• St Andrew met his end on an X-shaped cross in Greece, now the emblem on the Scottish flag.

• In the 730s some of St Andrew’s relics were brought to the Fife coast in Scotland.

• Around the middle of the tenth century he became the patron saint of Scotland.

• Australia celebrates St Andrew’s Day with ceilidhs and dinners. 

As the clock inches closer to November 30th, Australia is getting ready to throw a rip-roaring party that would make St Andrew himself proud. 

It’s time to don your tartan, get your ceilidh shoes on and get ready for a celebration like no other – it’s St Andrew’s Day!

For those not in the know, St Andrew’s Day is Scotland’s moment to shine, much like St George’s Day for the English, St Patrick’s Day for the Irish, and St David’s Day for the Welsh. It’s a day when Scots worldwide, their families, and friends come together to revel in their rich cultural heritage. The Scots have been doing this for over a thousand years, and they really know how to party!

St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, has a special place in the hearts of the Scots. He’s also the patron saint of Russia, Spain, Romania, Barbados, and Ukraine. St Andrew’s Day is said to mark the date of his crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in Greece on November 30th, 60 AD. That X-shaped cross is the same one you’ll find on the Scottish flag. 

So, how do Australians celebrate this grand day of Scottish shenanigans? With ceilidhs, of course – those wild Scottish country dances that’ll have you spinning like a top. And, naturally, food! Feast on dishes like Cullen skink, a hearty fish soup, and tender lamb that’ll make your taste buds do a jig.

But it’s not just about dancing and dining; it’s also a day to embody the generous spirit of St Andrew. Many folks take this opportunity to help those in need. Whether it’s sharing a meal, donating clothing, or handing out toys, it’s all about spreading kindness.

According to the 2021 Census, more than two million Australians claim Scottish heritage. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there’s a little piece of Scotland in every corner of the country. 

So, get ready for a day filled with laughter, dancing, and more haggis than you can shake a sporran at. 

In Australia, St Andrew’s Day is all about embracing the joys of Scottish heritage and culture. 

Slàinte mhath!

Australian
celebrations

FRI 10 NOV

St Andrew’s Ceilidh with Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Collingwood VIC

FRI 24 NOV

Society of St Andrew of Scotland of Queensland St Andrew’s Eve Dinner, Brisbane QLD

SAT 25 NOV

Saint Andrew Society of WA St Andrew’s Day 85th Anniversary Ball, Scarborough WA

Gallus Ceilidh Band at Jalbrook Est, Balingup WA

Scottish Pub Choir for St Andrew’s, Enmore NSW

Toowoomba Caledonian Society St Andrew’s Night Ceilidh, Toowoomba QLD

SUN 26 NOV 

Scottish Festival, Overnewton Castle, Keilor VIC

THU 30 NOV

St Andrew’s Day flag lowering, Glen Innes NSW

SAT 2 DEC

St Andrews Shindig, Cronulla NSW

Caledonian Society of WA Ceilidh, Inglewood WA

Mackay & District Pipe Band presents St Andrew’s Ceilidh, North Mackay QLD

Daylesford Highland Gathering, Daylesford VIC

*This article was published in the November edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine.