Burns Night - 25th January (Scotland)

On 25 January, Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland. It is an annual celebration that marks the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. But who was Robert Burns? Well, he is one of Scotland's most important literary figures, best known for his poetry (his most recognised works include Auld Lang Syne - often sung at Hogmanay on New Year's Eve, and Scots Wha Hae - the unofficial Scottish national anthem). He was born in Alloway on 25 January, 1759 and died in Dumfries in 1796.

What is the celebration about? The poet's close friends gathered in a supper five years after his death, and this tradition of the Burns Night supper still continues to this day. Nowadays, suppers can range from an informal gathering of friends to a huge, formal dinner full of ceremony. People recite or sing Burn's poems as an act of remembering Robert Burns. The Selkirk Grace, also known as Burns' Grace at Kirkcudbright, is usually recited in the meal in Scots:

Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it,

But we hae meat and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.

What's a Burns supper?

Haggis is common, but other recipes include Scottish smoked salmon, cock-a-leekie soup or stovies, of which the basic ingredients – meat, potatoes and onion – make a great winter warmer. The meal is washed down with Scotch whisky.

(Information taken from: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/burns-night-2016-what-celebration-scotlands-national-poet-all-about-1539222)

If you want to know more about Robert Burns and his work, you can visit the official website: http://www.robertburns.org/

And if you are interested in the events that Scotland holds every year, visit: http://www.scotland.org/whats-on/burns-night/

You won't be disappointed ;)

HAPPY BURNS NIGHT TO ALL MY SCOTTISH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

From ELS, a group of Primary students did a project about Scotland, taking advantage of this national Scottish festivity. It was completely made by themselves (I just drew the map outline) and I must say they were very creative! They searched for information about the country at home and then they created this wonderful poster in class. After this, we played a game about Robert Burns' life, making use of the past tense of the verb 'to be' (Was Burns a poet?, was he friendly?, etc.). They enjoyed it a lot!