Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration featuring traditions such as torchlight processions and fire festivals.
The word refers to the Scottish observance of the last day of the old year and the celebrations surrounding it. Customs vary by place, but may include street parties, concerts, fireworks, singing, first-footing, and fire-related events. Torchlight processions in cities such as Edinburgh have become especially prominent modern spectacles.
First-footing is the custom of visiting friends or neighbors after midnight, traditionally bringing symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky. In older belief, the appearance and gifts of the first visitor could influence the household’s luck for the coming year.
Hogmanay is distinct from Burns Night, which commemorates poet Robert Burns on January 25, and St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day on November 30. Although modern Hogmanay is highly public, many customs also continue in private family gatherings.