Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve festival whose modern public celebration is especially associated with Edinburgh.
The word Hogmanay refers to the Scottish celebration of the final day of the old year and the arrival of the new one. Its customs include singing Auld Lang Syne, torchlit processions, street parties, fireworks, and first-footing, in which the first visitor to enter a home after midnight is welcomed with symbolic gifts.
Edinburgh’s organized festivities became internationally prominent through concerts, street events, and a large midnight fireworks display. Other Scottish communities have their own Hogmanay traditions, so the word is not limited to the capital.
Hogmanay should not be confused with Burns Night, held on January 25 to honor poet Robert Burns, or St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day on November 30. Those celebrations have different purposes and dates.