Geography and Typology of Contemporary Burns Suppers

This piece features an unprecedented, quantitative analysis of contemporary Burns Suppers. It is based on the broadest, most detailed database Suppers ever built since nineteenth century, comprising more than 2,500 events across 145 countries. Such a wealth data lends itself to survey Night's various settings, comparing diverse approaches Burns's poetry, Scottish culture, music, and food. Indeed, at heart this article lies typology Suppers, distinguishing four main types – ‘ritualistic’, ‘Celtic’, ‘gastronomic’, ‘social’. Challenging common perceptions Supper as traditionalist, ceremonious feast, these categories provide initial blueprint for any further study in twenty first century.