Kate Kennedy Procession
A St Andrews tradition signalling the start of Spring
Today is the 99th Kate Kennedy Procession in St Andrews, a colourful and cheerful tradition which brings much joy to those participating, dressed up as historic figures from the University and town’s history, as well as those lucky enough to witness it.
“Each Spring, the Club organises the annual Kate Kennedy Spring Procession. The Spring Procession traces its roots to ancient, medieval, pagan, and Christian spring rites, with fifers commemorating "Cath Cinneachaidh."
Legend has it that in the fifteenth century the beautiful niece of Bishop James Kennedy, Lady Katharine came to stay, in the spring of her life and the spring of the year. Idolised by all a festival emerged from two separate origins, and it became Kate Kennedy’s Day.
By the nineteenth century the procession had begun to degenerate, and, at last, on the 5th March 1881, the Procession was banned by university authorities.
However, on the 5th March 1926 Kate reappeared in a splendour never before accorded to her, in the familiar format that we see today. This was thanks to the two students Donald Kennedy and James Doak, inspired by J. M Barrie’s rectorial address on “Courage”, with the assistance of Principle Sir James Irvine.
Since 1926, the Club has taken pride in maintaining the tradition of Kate’s spring Procession each year, with the exception of the WWII and Covid periods.
Today the event celebrates the town’s rich history, and will see over 150 students, locals and university staff dress up in historical costumes, re-enacting prominent figures who have made an impact on St Andrews.”
https://www.katekennedyclub.org.uk/katekennedy-procession
Dad is due to do the commentary as the procession starts outside St Salvator’s Chapel again this year, as he has done in previous years.
I’ve enjoyed watching this St Andrews tradition since I was a child and even did a project on the various characters from Mary Queen of Scots to John Cleese at school.
I hope it is a great day out for everyone who attends, the young and the young at heart.