The Christmas markets are a tradition of German culture, dating back to the Middle Ages. They are held every year in Edinburgh, where the famous Frankfurt Christmas Market is held.
The “Père Noël” is called Santa Claus or The Father Christmas.
On the 25th December, most of families are going to the Church to listen carols. (The religion is important in Scotland).
After, they get together with for the Christmas lunch.
For the Christmas day the traditional menu is a roast turkey with potatoes and a pudding for dessert.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas Market
But the principal party in Scotland is the New Year. The real name is “The Hogmanay”.
At midnight, all people drink a glass of whisky (and not champagne, it is different than in France).
Moreover, a story said : “we have to wait The ‘Quaaltagh” or the ‘first foot’. This is the first visitor of this New Year. He will be a young, beautiful, tall and with black hair.” If this happened, you will be lucky all the year.
For the New Year the traditional main course is haggis. This is a “sheep’s stomach”. It is like the “black pudding”.
On 1st January there is the Loony Dook. This is the “annual dive” in the Forth River in South Queensferry.
In Edinburgh, during this period there is a festival. People can dance and sing together. There are a lot of bagpipers. More than two thousands of people are in front of the castle to see the fireworks.
Most of the time, the party end up in a traditional pub.
