Aberdeen is renowned for its rich cultural, historical, and heritage background. The so-called Granite City offers a comprehensive program of events and celebrations that attract tourists from all over the world, year-round.
The port city hosted the Aberdeen International Youth Festival for 36 years, the world’s largest arts festival that brought together hundreds of young performers. Musicians, dancers, artists, and acrobats from Scotland and other European countries gathered at this cultural gala, held from 1981 to 2017.
The City of Festivals
Today, other major festivals are celebrated, including the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, which takes place in March and offers 10 days of concerts. It is the perfect space to enjoy the best of blues, big bands, swing, and more.
Another well-known event is Nuart Aberdeen, a street art festival held in June, featuring events, workshops, debates, exhibitions, and performances at various locations around the city.
A month later, at the beginning of July, the Boat Festival is held in the old port of Portsoy, with competitions involving boats, yachts, and other homemade sailing vessels. At the end of November, the Aberdeen Vegan Festival is held at Pittodrie Stadium, an event to explore vegan cuisine and kick off the Christmas season, with handmade crafts.
May Day: Welcoming Spring
A national holiday with special flair in Aberdeen is May Day, celebrated on May 1st, marking the arrival of spring. Musicians, dancers, and jugglers take to the streets, inviting everyone to join in. Restaurants and cafés serve traditional national dishes and treats, in homage to the city.
Another grand traditional Scottish event held in Aberdeen is the Highland Games. In July, men and women showcase their skills in traditional sports and activities (bagpipe bands, tug of war, and Highland Games, among others), attracting over 10,000 people each year.
Sports and Christmas
During the first week of February, Aberdeen hosts the Subsea Expo, the International Exhibition of Subsea Equipment and Technologies. The event attracts hundreds of exhibitors and over 5,000 delegates each year, with a program of exhibitions, thematic conferences, and a charitable gala dinner.
But that’s not all. If there is a season of special significance in Aberdeen, it is Christmas. The Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street is the perfect opportunity to experience an unforgettable visit to Santa’s Village, with an ice rink, amusement rides, and carnival attractions. This, along with Hogmanay in Aberdeen, offers unparalleled experiences that encapsulate the very essence of Scottish hospitality and New Year’s joy.
Hogmanay, marking the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion throughout Scotland, but in Aberdeen, it takes on a special charm. Fireworks light up the night sky over Aberdeen’s historic skyline, creating a dazzling spectacle symbolizing hope and renewal for the coming year. Pubs and live music venues provide entertainment all night long, while many choose to plunge into the cold waters of the North Sea on the morning of January 1st as a form of purification and renewal.
As can be seen, Aberdeen’s festivals and celebrations are not just annual events; they are the very essence of the city, a vibrant manifestation of its culture, history, and community. These festivities not only attract tourists eager for unique experiences but also play a crucial role in the lives of the local residents.
