St. Andrew’s Day, celebrated on November 30 each year, is considered a national holiday in Scotland and across Europe.

St. Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who died a martyr and was crucified on a saltire, or an “X” shaped cross, in Greece in 60 AD. He is known as the patron saint of Scotland, Romania, Greece, and many more European countries.

In the 9th century AD, St. Andrew appeared to King Oengus I in a dream, promising him victory. On the day of the battle an X symbol appeared in the sky. Oengus vowed that if they won, St Andrew would be made the patron saint of Scotland.

Scots have celebrated Andrew for over a thousand years, with feasts being held in his honor as far back as the year 1000 AD. However, it wasn’t until 1320, when Scotland declared independence, that he officially became Scotland’s patron saint. Since then Andrew has become part of the country. The flag of Scotland, the St Andrew’s Cross, was chosen in his honor. Also, the ancient town of St Andrews was named due to its claim of being his final resting place.

St Andrew’s Day now ranks as one of three major dates during the winter period. Starting off Scotland’s Winter Festival each year on November 30, people across the country gather together to celebrate Andrew and share good times. The day is usually marked with a celebration of Scottish culture, including dancing, music, food, and drink, with parties going on until the early morning hours.