St. Andrew's Day is celebrated on 30th November each year in Scotland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. The holiday honours St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who is thought to have introduced Christianity to the lands that eventually became Scotland. St. Andrew's Day marks the beginning of the traditional season of 'Scottish winter festivals' that includes the holidays of Hogmanay and Burns Night.
In celebration of St. Andrew's Day, the Scots wear traditional clothes, participate in parades, dance to Scottish music, and enjoy a feast of traditional Scottish food, such as haggis and neeps. The Saltire, or the St. Andrew's Cross, a diagonally crossed white cross on a blue background, is especially prominent on this day as it represents the crucifixion of St. Andrew, who was said to have been crucified on a cross of this type.
While St. Andrew's Day is not a public holiday throughout the United Kingdom, it is a bank holiday in Scotland. Public offices, schools and businesses in Scotland are closed on this day. Major St. Andrew's Day events take place in key cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. (although celebrations often occur over a weekend). Throughout the day, there are festivities designed to promote Scottish culture, including performances of traditional music, storytelling, and dance.