 |
| Scotland Fireworks at St. Andrew's Day, Edinburgh. credit: Grant Ritchie |
Celebrations that bear a religious
character are very significant even today, when religions aren’t as important
for societies as they used to be in the old days. St. Andrew’s Day is one of
these celebrations that look towards a glorified past and, at the same time,
point out towards the future: Scotland will remain Scottish as long as in this
particular day of the year its people will feel proud and connected with their
particular history.
St. Andrew’s Day is such a big day
for Scotland because St. Andrew is actually the patron saint of the country.
Every year, millions of Scottish take the flag of their proud country and
celebrate in the streets and elsewhere what they feel it is a day for unity. St.
Andrew never set foot in Scotland, but that’s somehow another story that we
will leave for the historians to debunk! What’s of importance to us is that the
celebration of St. Andrew takes place in Scotland since the 11th
century, in one form or the other. Recently, in 2006, St. Andrew’s Day was declared
a public holiday.
The importance of St. Andrew’s Day
is even greater in a Scot’s calendar, as the 30th of November is usually chosen
as a day when important government announcements are made concerning the
country’s future. In that sense, past, present and future are intertwined and combine
each other.
 |
| Scottish Flag in Scottish Skies, St. Andrew's Day credit: Stewart White |
 |
| St. Andrews Cathedral, Scotland credit: Daniel Peckham |
It goes without a saying that the
week around the 30th of November is an ideal time to visit Scotland.
However, and in case you search for something more playful and warmer, why not visit Tenerife?
In Tenerife they also celebrate St. Andrew’s Day in what it is to be a slightly
different experience, though.
The fiesta of St. Andrew takes place mostly in the night before the 30th of November in the north of this magnificent Spanish island. In Puerto de la Cruz, which is located in the less touristic part of Tenerife, people flood the streets around midnight, ready for yet another Spanish fiesta. Little kids enjoy the freedom of the day that allows them to tie metallic objects in the back of parked cars; at the same time, adults taste the first wine of the year!
During the night of the 29th
of November, wine producers from around the island bring their new wines for
the people to taste along with delicious roasted chestnuts. The smell of
roasted castañas will make you thirsty for
more wine, just mind not to spoil your night by having too many of those
glasses!
Spanish are very well known for
their fiestas that always tend to reveal their lightness and the playfulness of
whomever is to join them at their parties. And the passionate Spaniards will
never miss yet another chance for having fun! Of course, in Scotland the
meaning of St. Andrew’s Days weights heavier, as we’ve already depicted: we’re
dealing with Scotland’s patron saint and its national day, aiming to bring
Scots together, to remind them of the glory of the country’s past. However, the
Spanish fiesta and the chestnut with wine are not to be disregarded either!
 |
| Autumn in Tenerife photo: Zú Sánchez |
It depends of your mood, after all!
If you choose Tenerife for this year’s St. Andrew’s Day you will have a great
chance to enjoy the sunshine and have some good old fun and, nevertheless, some
brand new wine! However, in case you decide that Scotland is the best choice
for you, then don’t forget bringing Scotland’s flag with you! And an umbrella!
Whatever you’ll decide for, don’t hesitate to enjoy! Cheers!
