Understand Britain

Burns Night celebrates the Scottish poet Robert Burns on his birthday. VisitScotland traces the first supper to friends gathering in 1801 to mark the anniversary of his death. The later birthday tradition brings poetry, food, speeches and music together.

It is a Scottish tradition with an international life, including in Canada. Expect variation between a formal Burns supper and a casual pub celebration.

Source: VisitScotland

Shrove Tuesday falls immediately before Ash Wednesday. Pancakes became associated with using ingredients such as eggs and fat before the Lenten fast. The date moves with Easter, so it is not a fixed February appointment.

The food custom remains familiar even among people who do not observe Lent. Local pancake races add another layer, but colourful origin legends should not be treated as established fact.

Source: English Heritage

British pantomime developed through several theatrical traditions and became closely associated with Christmas and Boxing Day openings. It mixes stories, songs, visual comedy and audience participation. It is not a silent mime performance.

The shouted replies are part of the convention. Follow the room rather than worrying about interrupting; joining in is often exactly what the performers want.

Source: V&A

The V&A traces Christmas crackers to confectioner Tom Smith and paper-wrapped sweets inspired by French bonbons. They developed into the familiar novelty pulled at the table.

Paper hats and deliberately poor jokes are part of the pleasure. This is a useful example of a tradition that was made and marketed, rather than handed down unchanged from ancient times.

Source: V&A

Sir John Lubbock introduced the legislation that became the Bank Holidays Act 1871. The phrase outgrew the banking context and now signals dates around which many people plan travel and gatherings.

The calendars differ across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check the relevant nation and the current year rather than assuming the same Monday applies everywhere.

Source: Parliament: the 1871 bill

The UK moves to British Summer Time on the last Sunday in March and returns to Greenwich Mean Time on the last Sunday in October. Canadian places that follow the North American seasonal pattern change on the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.

That briefly changes the time difference. London is normally five hours ahead of Toronto, but only four hours ahead between their spring changes and again between their autumn changes. Use named cities in calendar invitations rather than assuming a fixed offset.

Canada has exceptions: most of Saskatchewan and Yukon already keep the same clock setting year-round. Most of B.C. is adopting year-round UTC-7 in 2026, while some eastern communities retain different arrangements. Check the destination’s current rules before scheduling a call.

UK clock changes · Canadian time zones · B.C.’s 2026 change

On 26 December, many households continue the Christmas gathering with leftovers, visiting family, a winter walk or watching football. The sales are part of the picture too, as they are in Canada, but shopping is only one way people spend the day.

“What are you doing for Boxing Day?” may be an invitation to a relaxed second celebration. Ask what to bring, and check transport before making plans. See our food and traditions guide and sporting calendar.