St. Andrew's Day around the world
Around the globe there are millions of people who lay claim to being of Scots descent and millions more who associate with Scotland and her culture. This St Andrew's Day, from Buenos Aries to Beijing and from Wishaw to Warsaw, they'll be slipping on their dancing shoes and tuning up the pipes as we join together to celebrate Scotland's National Day…
Around the World
Argentina
Our clans folk celebrate the Scottish connections with re-enactments and other cultural and historical events. St Andrew's Day is celebrated with dance and other Scottish events (thanks to Monica Loreto and others at HHS).
Australia
Sydney celebrates the many Scottish links from Governor Macquarie to the Harbour Bridge. Scots Australians don the kilt and get jigging. A full week of celebrations is scheduled.
Burgandy
This French Region also takes St Andrew as its patron. At Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, famous for vintage wines, the Confrerie celebrates Scottish culture with Scottish friends at an event earlier this year(thanks to Viviano Rossi).
Poland
At Bedzin Celtic Festival, the South Coast Scottish Heritage Association teach young Polish dance enthusiasts some complexities of Scottish dance – then get a well earned rest. This south of England based group is proud to help take this aspect of Scottish culture to new audiences (thanks to Bob McArthur).
Serbia
Serbs and the Scots know how to celebrate in style and the party gets going in Belgrade. From rugby and football to nursing, many connections link our countries and continue to be remembered. St Andrew's Day celebrations, hosted by the British Embassy, brings together many friends. (Thanks to Dusan).
China
A Saltire, Chinese style, catches the attention of local TV at a Chon Qing gathering of Chinese alumni of Scottish Universities.Graduates fondly remembered their Scottish experience by dancing the night away to a popular ceilidh band. More events will follow in late November.
Germany
Mercedes Benz Museum staff in Stuttgart don Scottish hats, ready to dance. Wurtembergers, like Scots, have a reputation for being "careful" – on St Andrew's Day, however, there is nothing mean about the celebrations in this part of Germany. Some good local malt whisky shops should help keep them happy (thanks to Ross Hepburn, world record high jumper).
Hungary
The cultured Hungarians readily identify with things Scottish. After all, a Scot built one of the finest bridges over the blue Danube. Bagpipes and Burns are popular and St Andrew's celebrations take place at the Kaledonia Bar in beautiful Budapest.With direct flights from Prestwick to Budapest, more Scots can join in. (Thanks to Tamás, Patrick and Szuzsanna).
New Zealand
Our flag flies proudly on Auckland Harbour Bridge on St Andrew's Day 2006. Being the first time the saltire had flown on the bridge, it was remarked on by many Scots New Zealanders. Our contribution to New Zealand is further recognised by "The Scots in New Zealand" exhibition at Te Papa. (Thanks to Thomas Robertson and Stephanie Gibson).
Russia
Pskov University students, fascinated by Scotland, held re-enactments to celebrate St Andrew's Day 2006, encouraged by enthusiastic professors from many faculties. Sir Walter Scott's Tales resonate with these young Russians enjoying medieval fun as they recreated 16th century Scotland in the forests of western Russia. (Thanks to Svetlana Matsevich).