National Tartan Day
April 6th is National Tartan Day!
National Tartan Day is a special day celebrated on April 6 every year to honor Scottish heritage and the Scottish-American community.
This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which is regarded as one of Scotland’s most significant historical documents. The day is celebrated not only in Scotland but also by Scottish descendants and enthusiasts worldwide.
History of National Tartan Day
The history of NTD Day can be traced back to the late 20th century when the Scottish-American community started lobbying for a national holiday that would recognize their heritage and culture.
In 1982, the Scottish Coalition USA was established to promote Scottish culture and heritage in America, and they were one of the main organizations behind the push for National Tartan Day.
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The first NTD was celebrated on April 6, 1982, in New York City. The day was recognized by the city’s mayor, Ed Koch, and it was celebrated with a parade and a Scottish-themed festival. The day quickly gained popularity and was soon celebrated by Scottish communities across the United States.
In 1998, the U.S. Senate officially recognized April 6 as National Tartan Day, and it was also recognized by the Canadian government in 2009. Today, it’s celebrated not only in the United States and Canada but also in other parts of the world where Scottish communities exist.
Celebrations and Traditions
National Tartan Day is celebrated with various events and traditions. Many Scottish societies and organizations host parades, festivals, and cultural events on this day. Participants wear kilts and traditional Scottish clothing and carry banners and flags with their family tartans.
In some places, there are also traditional Scottish games, such as tossing the caber, tug of war, and Highland dancing competitions. Scottish music, including bagpipes and traditional folk songs, is also an important part of the celebrations.
In Canada, the government buildings, including the Canadian Parliament, are decorated with the Scottish flag on National Tartan Day. Scottish-themed events are held across the country, including in the province of Nova Scotia, which has a large Scottish population.
In the United States, many cities host Scottish festivals and events, including New York City, which holds a Tartan Day Parade that attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year. Other cities, such as Boston and San Francisco, also host Scottish-themed events on this day.
Significance of National Tartan Day
National Tartan Day is an important day for Scottish-Americans and other Scottish descendants as it allows them to celebrate and honor their heritage and culture. It is also an opportunity for people of Scottish descent to come together and share their traditions and customs.
In addition, NTD helps to promote Scottish culture and heritage to a wider audience. It provides an opportunity for people who are not of Scottish descent to learn more about Scottish history, traditions, and customs.
National Tartan Day is a special day that celebrates Scottish heritage and the Scottish-American community. The day is celebrated with parades, festivals, and cultural events in many parts of the world.
It is an important day for Scottish-Americans and other Scottish descendants as it allows them to honor their heritage and culture. It also helps to promote Scottish culture and heritage to a wider audience, providing an
