Scotland's Burns Night: What Is It and How to Celebrate

Known as Scotland’s national poet, or national bard, Burns is a beloved figure in Scotland and known worldwide for the song “Auld Lang Syne,” which is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. An unabashed Scottish nationalist who insisted on writing in the Scots language, Burns was committed to collecting, preserving, and championing Scotland’s rich folk culture, its songs, stories, and ballads, and so remains a cherished figure to this day.

Burns Night honors Robert Burns and his contribution to Scottish culture. When he was born in 1759, Scottishness was not so easy to openly celebrate. It had been just over 50 years since the Act of Union absorbed the Kingdom of Scotland into the United Kingdom, and only 14 years since the final Jacobite rising was defeated by the British state, which retaliated by breaking up Highland clans and banning the use of Gaelic and wearing tartan. Hence, the annual celebration in his honor, as an unapologetic Scotsman.

The first commemorative dinner was held in Burns' honor in July 1801, on the fifth anniversary of his death. However, since then the annual supper has been held to coincide with his birth date, which is January 25. And the timing is great—if you’ve ever spent a winter in Scotland, you can appreciate how a whisky-fueled knees up is just what’s needed in the cold, dark days of January.

Burns Suppers are high-spirited affairs, as befits the celebration of a man who was famously fond of a drink or three. However, the evening follows a strict running order that incorporates the many rituals it has picked up over the past 200 years.

On the night, a piper welcomes guests to their tables and, once everyone has gathered, the host reads "The Selkirk Grace" as the soup course is served. Next, guests stand up to welcome the haggis, which is carried in by the chef who follows behind the bagpiper. One guest has the honor of giving an effusive reading of Burns’ "Address to a Haggis" before the haggis is sliced open with a ceremonial dagger. The meal is then served with the requisite neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), along with copious quantities of whisky (or Irn Bru for younger attendees). A traditionally Scottish dessert of clootie dumpling typically follows and the meal is rounded out with cheese and oatcakes or bannocks.

After the meal, the host or designated speaker delivers "The Immortal Memory" address, a tribute to Burns’ life and work. More readings, songs, and music follow—the epic, gripping, and quite lengthy "Tam o’Shanter" is a perennial favorite, and earns bragging rights for the reader who manages to recite it from memory. Afterward there’s the lighthearted, and often ribald, “Toast To The Lassies,” quickly followed by the sassy rebuttal “Reply From The Lassie.” A hearty rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" marks the traditional end to Burns Supper, with everyone crossing their arms and joining hands at the line “And there's a hand, my trusty fere!”

Afterward, space is cleared for a ceilidh, a session of traditional music and Scottish country dancing. Don’t worry if you haven’t brushed up on the (sometimes complex) steps to the “Flying Scotsman,” “Gay Gordons,” “Strip the Willow,” and “Dashing White Sergeant,” as a bandmember is typically on hand to show everyone the ropes.

You can’t move for Burns Night celebrations in Scotland in late January. Festivities run the gamut from traditional dinners held in drafty community halls to concerts and multi-day festivals The most extravagant is the Big Burns Supper, an 11-day performing arts festival held in Dumfries but traditionalists should also consider attending an event in Burns Country, Ayrshire, home of the Bard, such as the Burns Supper at the Burns Cottage.

Festivities are not limited to Scotland—the nation’s far-flung diaspora has spread the tradition around the world and Burns Night is now a worldwide event, celebrated by Scottish societies everywhere from Canada to China. Thanks to a new interactive map, you can find an event anywhere in the world. Developed by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies and The University of Glasgow, the Burns Supper Map highlights more than 2,500 Burns events in around 150 countries. So there’s no excuse to miss it!