St. Andrew’s Day

St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated in Scotland on November 30 and honors the country’s patron saint. The Saltire, also known as St. Andrew’s Cross, appears on Scotland’s national flag and is one of the country’s best-known symbols. The observance also marks the beginning of Scotland’s winter holiday season.

History of St. Andrew’s Day

St. Andrew’s Day has been observed in Scotland for centuries. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation establishing November 30 as a bank holiday, and the law came into effect in 2007. However, banks, schools, and businesses are not required to close.

According to the New Testament, Andrew was a fisherman and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Christian tradition holds that he was crucified in Patras, Greece, on an X-shaped cross, which later became known as St. Andrew’s Cross.

Legends connect St. Andrew with Scotland in different ways. One tradition says that some of his relics were brought to the settlement now known as St Andrews. Although the medieval shrine was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation, relics associated with the saint are now held at St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Interesting Facts About St. Andrew’s Day

• St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and several other countries, including Greece, Romania, and Ukraine.
• He and his brother Simon Peter worked as fishermen before becoming disciples of Jesus.
• Scotland’s national flag, the Saltire, features a white diagonal cross on a blue background.
• The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Patras, Greece, is dedicated to the saint and houses relics traditionally associated with him.
• The town of St Andrews in Fife takes its name from the saint.
• St. Andrew’s Day celebrations often feature Scottish music, dancing, storytelling, food, and cultural events.

How St. Andrew’s Day Is Observed

People attend concerts, ceilidhs, cultural festivals, storytelling events, and community gatherings. Traditional Scottish music, dancing, food, and heritage often play an important role in the celebrations.

You can learn about the life and legends of St. Andrew, listen to Scottish music, prepare a traditional Scottish dish, or attend a local cultural event. Scottish communities around the world also organize gatherings to mark the occasion.

When Is St. Andrew’s Day in 2026?

St. Andrew’s Day is observed on November 30 each year.

Observations