Scottish Festivals & Traditions
Live Music Now
This is a music festival for children which takes place in January every year. They can go to interactive classical and traditional concerts. Click on the video to hear some of the music.
This is a music festival for children which takes place in January every year. They can go to interactive classical and traditional concerts. Click on the video to hear some of the music.
Burns Night
Beltane Fire Festival
Beltane Fire Festival is celebrated in April & May every year. It is a modern twist on an ancient Celtic festival which celebrated the changing seasons. Long, long ago it marked the beginning of summer. The cattle was driven out to the mountains for the summer so that the grass around the homes would have a chance to grow. This way the cattle had fresh grass to eat for the winter.
Beltane Fire Festival is celebrated in April & May every year. It is a modern twist on an ancient Celtic festival which celebrated the changing seasons. Long, long ago it marked the beginning of summer. The cattle was driven out to the mountains for the summer so that the grass around the homes would have a chance to grow. This way the cattle had fresh grass to eat for the winter.
Bonfires were lit because the smoke, flames and ashes were supposed to protect the cattle, people and crops. People jumped over the bonfires. Sometimes cattle were walked between two bonfires. https://beltanefiresociety.wordpress.com/ |
Boys' Brigade Beating Retreat
This event takes place in Edinburgh in May. Bands from all over Scotland take part in the event. Click on the video to hear some of the bands.
This event takes place in Edinburgh in May. Bands from all over Scotland take part in the event. Click on the video to hear some of the bands.
Solas Festival
The Solas Festival takes place in June each year. There are all kinds of fun things to do such as learning circus skills, story telling, yoga and puppets.
The Solas Festival takes place in June each year. There are all kinds of fun things to do such as learning circus skills, story telling, yoga and puppets.
The Bruce Festival
This is great festival takes place in July every year. There are re-enactments of medieval traditions. There are falconry displays, music & singing and jousting tournaments. There is even a battle re-enactment. http://bruce.connectingwithyou.co.uk/
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The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival runs in July every year. Blues and jazz musicians from all over the world play at this festival. Click on the picture to see some of the jazz being played at the Mardi Gras event. /scotland---festivals--traditions.html |
As part of the festival there is a carnival parade. Click on the picture to watch a video of the Carnival:
As part of the festival there is a carnival parade and some acrobatics in the Botanic Gardens. Click on the videos to see them:
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Tattoo
Here are two videos from the event. The music is being performed by Scottish pipe and drum bands. Click on the picture above if you would like to see participants from other countries.
The Enchanted Forest
This event takes place in October and November each year. The forests of Perthshire are lit up with a dazzling light show. Click on the picture below to see the show.
This event takes place in October and November each year. The forests of Perthshire are lit up with a dazzling light show. Click on the picture below to see the show.
St. Andrew's Day
Hogmanay
Hogmanay is celebrated on the 31st of January. Long ago visitors such as friends or neighbours called with presents immediately after midnight. They brought presents such as shortbread or black bun. The visitors were supposed to bring good luck to those living in the house. The visitors were given food and drink. The party often went on till the wee hours of the morning. The favourite visitor on this night was a tall dark man.
Hogmanay is celebrated on the 31st of January. Long ago visitors such as friends or neighbours called with presents immediately after midnight. They brought presents such as shortbread or black bun. The visitors were supposed to bring good luck to those living in the house. The visitors were given food and drink. The party often went on till the wee hours of the morning. The favourite visitor on this night was a tall dark man.
In Edinburgh there is a big street festival. People gather on the street:
People sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve. This song was originally a poem that was written by famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. This is Auld Lang Syne being performed by Dougie MacLean.
Edinburgh Torchlight Procession
The Torchlight Procession is the official start of three-days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events. Thousand of torch carriers walk through the city with the pipe & drum bands. At the end of the procession there are fireworks. Click on the video to watch the procession.
The Torchlight Procession is the official start of three-days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events. Thousand of torch carriers walk through the city with the pipe & drum bands. At the end of the procession there are fireworks. Click on the video to watch the procession.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeSSiNMhZzI
http://edinburghshogmanay.com/events/torchlight-procession
http://edinburghshogmanay.com/events/torchlight-procession
Scottish Music
Tartan
Tartan used to be used to identify people for certain areas but the modern tartans are now to identify people from different clans.
Tartan is now being used to decorate other items such as these:
The Kilt
The kilt is worn with these socks and sporran.
Dancing
Here are some dancers at a competition. They are wearing tartan costumes.
Here are some dancers at a competition. They are wearing tartan costumes.
Click on the picture below if you would like to see some dancing.
Here are some step dancers. Click on the video to see them dancing:
Music & Singing
Songs in Scotland can be sung in Gaelic or in English. Julie Fowlis is a famous singer. She sang two songs for the movie Brave.
Songs in Scotland can be sung in Gaelic or in English. Julie Fowlis is a famous singer. She sang two songs for the movie Brave.
Click on the picture of her to hear a song being sung in Gaelic.
Click on the pictures to hear some famous Scottish fiddle players: