You might have seen on Dundee Culture's socials about January 26 being referred to as Dundee Day, so what is it, and why is it celebrated?
So what is it?
Dundee Day commemorates the day that made Dundee Scotland's first city.
On the 26 January, 1889, Queen Victoria granted Dundee city status, making it the first place to achieve such in Scotland.
What makes Dundee even more unique is that it is the only Scottish city with a date commemorating city status, allowing Dundonians and visitors an extra special reason to celebrate every year.
This annual celebration not only looks back at Dundee's rich past but also displays its thriving present.
With more than 130 years as a city, Dundee Day gives reason to take pride in the city's achievements, heritage, and forward thinking spirit.
The celebration is mainly done through social media, and has attracted attention for a good few years now, but it has gained more popularity since 2022. This year, 2025, will see the 136th anniversary of Dundee becoming a city - and 60 years since the city was branded as "a place of new hope" - and it is a place of new hope.
A city ahead of its time
Dundee has always been a city ahead of its time. Famed for its pioneering spirit, it was awarded the UK's first UNESCO City of Design in 2014 in recognition of its contributions to innovation, creativity, and design.
Dundee has also been recognised internationally as one of Cognizant's Cities of the Future - a testament to its growing reputation as a hub for technology, life sciences, and creativity.
It has started to earn the title of "Scotland's tech capital" and has already been branded as "one of the world's growing global tech hubs".
From leading the world in the video game industry, home to iconic creations like Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings, to the driving force in biomedical research, Dundee has positioned itself as a modern tech and innovation hub, attracting talent and investment from across the globe.
A joint Scottish celebration
What really makes Dundee Day special, however, is its proximity to another iconic celebration: Burns Night.
A day earlier, on January 25, Burns Night celebrates Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, with traditional festivities of haggis, poetry recitals, and ceilidh dancing.
Dundonians can combine the two, and late January is generally a really joyful and proud time for the city.
Celebrating an exceptional city
Dundee Day is far more than a reflection of history - it's a celebration of what really makes Dundee special. From its pioneering achievements to its thriving creative and technological industries, Dundee Day is a moment to embrace everything that makes this city exceptional.
Whether it be having a Burns supper or exploring the past and present of the city, January 26 is a day to celebrate Dundee's place in Scotland's story and its vision for the future.
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