Traditionally Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year, but it has long since been extended to the Scottish way of celebrating the New Year of the Gregorian calendar. This celebration lasts well beyond the day itself, beginning on that very day or even earlier and lasting until the morning of the first or, in some places, the second of January. Although Hogmanay is still celebrated with various regional and nationwide customs throughout the country, these have disappeared, been subdued or even partially displaced into later in January in Scotland’s major cities. Here people are drawn to the more modern all-night festivities instead.
Although Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stirling all host such events, the celebration of Hogmanay in Edinburgh is by far the largest and most famous one in the country. Indeed, in spite of semi-frequent cancellations due to harsh Scottish winter weather the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations rival many of the largest New Year events in the world in popularity. Lasting for longer than anywhere elsewhere in the country, it attracts tourists and party-goers alike by featuring a four-day programme of music, dance, literature, art and sporting occasions, as well as performances by many major singers and artists. These attractions are distributed between the different days of the festival, starting with December 29 and ending on January 1. Although the festival programme varies from year to year, it features the following events annually.
The spectacular opening night of the festival on December 29 is famous for the Viking-led torchlight procession through the city, which culminates in the burning of a wicker, a willow effigy and a Viking long ship on Calton Hill. Torches must either be bought on-site at the gathering place at Parliament Square or booked in advance for a cheaper price, but otherwise the event is entirely free of charge.
The following night is called the night afore and features a Ceilidh, which is a traditional Celtic party. Comedy, story-telling and traditional Celtic music can be enjoyed at various stages and areas along George Street, which is the main artery of the celebrations. However entertainment of a similar kind also occurs in various other parts of Edinburgh. As with the torchlight procession the Ceilidh party is entirely free of charge.
The next day, being New Year’s Eve and the actual Hogmanay day, is usually split between several ticketed events. The most notable of these is the Edinburgh Hogmanay street party, which is a massive outdoors events hosting major artists on several different stages and an incredible fireworks display at midnight. Concerts and dance parties are also hosted in different parts of the city. Tickets usually need to be bought in advance, so read up on each event’s respective programme to get a feel for which you would rather attend.
The last day of the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival is devoted outdoor and street theatre and sporting events. Wander up and down the Royal Mile and enjoy the shows or sign up in advance and participate in one of the sporting competitions.