It鈥檚 time once again to honour Scotland鈥檚 most famous poet with music, poetry recitations and the eating of haggis, neeps and tatties.
Robbie Burns Day is celebrated around Jan. 25 in honour of the poet, whose body of work includes such classics as A Red, Red Rose, Comin鈥� Thro鈥� the Rye and Auld Lang Syne.
Burns lived from 1759-96, dying at the age of 37.
A statue of Burns and Highland Mary Campbell, whom he loved and wrote about, stands in Beacon Hill Park. The inscription on its stone plinth says: 鈥淭o the memory of Scotia鈥檚 immortal bard, born 1759. Erected by his admirers 1900.鈥�
Celebrations in Burns鈥� honour often include the serving of a haggis, a traditional hunters鈥� meal consisting of sheep organs, oatmeal and spices boiled in a sheep鈥檚 stomach.
Haggis frequently comes with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), and Eric Akis has a recipe for cock-a-leekie here.
Several events have been organized around the region to mark Robbie Burns Day.
鈥� Robbie Burns Day at Craigdarroch Castle 鈥� Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Cres., featuring bagpipes, an address to the haggis and a haggis tasting, with music by the Celtic band Cookeilidh. Tickets are $14.25 for adults, $13.25 for seniors, $9.25 for students and $5 for children.
鈥� 16th Annual Burns Night 鈥� Saturday, doors at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. at Sidney鈥檚 Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. The Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band is featured at this evening of dinner and entertainment. There will also be whisky tasting, a silent auction and 50/50 draws. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at [email protected].
Proceeds will support the band.
鈥� Robert Burns Memorial Celebration 鈥� Sunday at the Beacon Hill Park putting green and St.聽Andrew鈥檚 Presbyterian Kirk Hall, 680 Courtney St.
The Saltire Society will first host a 1:45 p.m. presentation at the Robbie Burns statue in Beacon Hill Park, and then a 2:30 p.m. tea at the hall. Admission is by donation.
鈥� Robbie Burns Celebration 鈥� Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Centre for Active Living 50+, in Central Saanich at 1229 Clarke Rd. Entertainment will be provided by Knacker鈥檚 Yard and the Scottish Country Dancers.
The haggis will be paraded in, with a salute given by Bob Williamson. Sandwiches and various goodies will be available.
Tickets are $15 for centre members and $20 for guests.
