Robert Burns (Rabbie) is known throughout the world and is much loved as the National Poet of Scotland and is revered by the Scots. Born in 1759, he died in 1796 at only 37 years old, but he packed a lot of living and writing into those 37 years. Did you know that he wrote the iconic Auld Lang Syne song that the whole world sings on New Year's Eve?
Not very long after his death, the great migration of the Scottish people began and Scotland’s biggest export became manpower. The Scots immigrated to all parts of the globe and took their traditions with them. To this day you will find a Saint Andrew’s Society in every corner of the world and they all pay tribute to their “Rabbie” on Burns Night, 25th January, the great poet’s birthday.
Kitted out in their kilts, sporrans and with their Skean Dhus (small traditional knife) tucked into their long socks, they gather to mark the birth of Robert Burns, their national hero. Traditional haggis and neaps (turnips) are served, with the Chieftain reciting some (or all) of the famous poem, written by the Bard, in honour of this humble dish. The haggis feast is washed down with Scottish whisky, pipers play and people dance to the swirl of the pipes.
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.
The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve
Here in the Algarve we have our own St. Andrew’s Society and they too will be keeping up the tradition of a Burns Supper on Saturday 25th January. This feast will be held at the Ponte Romana Restaurant, Old Bridge, Silves. Everyone is welcome to join in, with members of the Society paying €25 per person and non members €27.50.
The fabulous haggis will be piped in by Malcolm MacGillvray, the famous address to the haggis will be recited, dinner will be served, toasts to the “Lasses and Laddies” will be drunk and Scottish dancing will follow.
For reservations call Kathy Prentice on 919 635 246; or for more information about the Saint Andrew’s Society in the Algarve call Doug McAdam (The Chieftain) 282 687 688.
The Rotary Club Estoi Palace International will also be holding a Robbie Burns Night on the 25th January at the Pousada Palácio de Estoi. This event will start with a cocktail reception, followed by a haggis and steak dinner; after which, traditional Scottish dancing will begin. This is a charity event in aid of the Algarve Oncology Association with tickets costing €30 per person. For more information and reservations, call 962 839 697.
The Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago, will also be holding a traditional Burns Supper celebration; this time on the 1st February from 7pm. Featuring the life and poetry of Robert Burns, dinner, wine and malt whiskey, the cost is €100 per person.
So here we are in the sunny Algarve and we don’t miss out on anything. In fact we have the best of all worlds. We live here in peace and harmony, sharing traditions from all over the world, as well as appreciating all the local festivals and fairs, meeting folk from different cultures, making new friends and enjoying and embracing new experiences. I for one can’t wait to get my teeth into a good haggis, how about you?
If you wish you were living in the Algarve, take a look at all the fantastic property for sale at bargain prices. You could be celebrating Burns Night 2015 here with us!
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Robert Burns Night in the Algarve
by Sun’s Dragon
Robert Burns (Rabbie) is known throughout the world and is much loved as the National Poet of Scotland and is revered by the Scots. Born in 1759, he died in 1796 at only 37 years old, but he packed a lot of living and writing into those 37 years. Did you know that he wrote the iconic Auld Lang Syne song that the whole world sings on New Year's Eve?
Not very long after his death, the great migration of the Scottish people began and Scotland’s biggest export became manpower. The Scots immigrated to all parts of the globe and took their traditions with them. To this day you will find a Saint Andrew’s Society in every corner of the world and they all pay tribute to their “Rabbie” on Burns Night, 25th January, the great poet’s birthday.
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.
The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve
The fabulous haggis will be piped in by Malcolm MacGillvray, the famous address to the haggis will be recited, dinner will be served, toasts to the “Lasses and Laddies” will be drunk and Scottish dancing will follow.
For reservations call Kathy Prentice on 919 635 246; or for more information about the Saint Andrew’s Society in the Algarve call Doug McAdam (The Chieftain) 282 687 688.
The Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago, will also be holding a traditional Burns Supper celebration; this time on the 1st February from 7pm. Featuring the life and poetry of Robert Burns, dinner, wine and malt whiskey, the cost is €100 per person.
If you wish you were living in the Algarve, take a look at all the fantastic property for sale at bargain prices. You could be celebrating Burns Night 2015 here with us!
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.