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History of National Tartan Day:

Tartan Day, celebrated on April 6, has its origins in Nova Scotia, Canada, where it was first proposed by the Federation of Scottish Clans in the early 1990s. The day was officially recognized in Canada and the United States to honor and celebrate Scottish history and the contributions of Scottish descendants. It has since spread to other parts of the world with Scottish diaspora communities. The date, April 6, was chosen because it marks the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty. This day serves as a vibrant and colorful celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring parades, traditional music, and cultural events.

Origins of National Tartan Day:

This day is a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture that is observed on April 6th every year. The day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims. The event originated in Canada in the mid-1980s and spread to other communities of the Scottish diaspora in the 1990s. The United States formally recognized April 6th as Tartan Day in 1998, and the holiday was approved by the US Senate in 1998, the House of Representatives in 2005, and the President in 2008. The largest celebration of Tartan Day in the United States is held in New York City, organized by the American Scottish Foundation. Tartan Day is celebrated with parades of pipe bands, Highland dance, and other Scottish-themed events.

Scotland Week in North America:

Scotland Week in North America is an annual celebration of Scottish heritage, culture, and business connections, held in the first week of April. The event, which has gained momentum across the USA and Canada, offers a diverse range of activities, including Scottish ceilidh dances, Tartan Day cocktails, parades, and more. It serves as a platform for people to reconnect with all they love about Scotland and learn about the country's unique offerings in terms of work, study, and investment. The week-long series of events enables participants to immerse themselves in the spirit of Scotland and highlights the strong historical and economic ties between North America and Scotland. From parades to business connections, Scotland Week delivers a vibrant experience, making it a must-see event for anyone interested in Scottish culture and heritage.

The Significance of Tartan in Scottish Culture:

Tartan holds a profound significance in Scottish culture, serving as a symbol of identity, heritage, and pride. Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century, tartan was initially used to distinguish between different clans and regions. Over time, it evolved into a vital part of traditional Scottish dress, including the iconic kilt. The distinct tartan patterns are associated with specific clans and regions, reflecting the rich history and diversity of Scotland. Beyond its historical roots, tartan remains a beloved symbol of Scottish heritage, worn during various traditional events and even incorporated into modern fashion and home decor. Whether donned for clan identification, special occasions or as a fashion statement, tartan continues to encapsulate the essence of Scottish culture, making it a cherished and enduring tradition.

Tartan Timeline:

Tartan is a type of design on a woven material that has become synonymous with Scotland. The earliest documented tartan-like cloth in Britain, known as the "Falkirk tartan," dates back to the 3rd century AD. Historians believe that tartan originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the 1600s. Tartan was initially associated with regions in Scotland and would use dyes made from local pigment. In the 17th century, some clans began using tartan as a form of identity, and it was adopted by the military and highland regiments. Following the battle of Culloden in 1745, the wearing of tartan was banned, except for regiments. Today, tartan is used to make a variety of traditional Scottish items, including kilts, sashes, and plaid-type sashes, or brooches. Tartan has become a national treasure and is immediately associated with Scotland.

Tartan Day Celebrations Around the World:

Tartan Day is an annual celebration of Scottish culture and heritage that is observed on April 6 in Argentina, Canada, Scotland, and the United States. In Australia and New Zealand, the day is celebrated on July 1. The day originated in Canada in the mid-1980s in Nova Scotia and has grown more popular every year, being adopted by people across the globe since the 1990s. The holiday was approved by the US Senate in 1998, the House of Representatives in 2005, and the President in 2008. This day is a unique moment for Scotland to celebrate its enduring connection with the USA and Canada and showcase what these connections are helping to achieve. The day is an amazing opportunity for people to reconnect with all they love about Scotland and learn about why Scotland is such a special place to work, study, and invest.

How to Celebrate National Tartan Day?

This day is a celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, observed on April 6th or 7th each year. The day aims to promote awareness of Scottish culture, history, and traditions and is celebrated in Scotland and Scottish communities throughout the world. Whether you're of Scottish descent or simply appreciate the rich history and culture of Scotland, National Tartan Day is a fantastic opportunity to embrace your inner Scot and celebrate the beauty of tartan. There are the following ways to celebrate National Tartan Day:

What to Wear?

People often wonder what to wear on Tartan Day, this day is a celebration of Scottish culture, and one of the most iconic elements of Scottish attire is the kilt. Wearing Scottish Tartans is a great way to show your love for the timeless fabric and embrace your Scottish heritage. The kilt has a long history and is made from tartan, a pattern that has remained popular for centuries. It is a symbol of Scottish identity and is often worn on special occasions or for traditional events. When attending a celebration, you can choose to wear a kilt as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for Scottish culture and history.

Tartan Day Parade:

Parade of this day is a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage and the significant contributions of Scottish Americans to the United States. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the New York City Tartan Day Parade, scheduled for April 15, 2023, at 2 pm. The parade is the highlight of a week-long series of events that allow people to immerse themselves in the spirit of Scotland. The parade features hundreds of bagpipers and drummers in bands from all over America, wearing traditional Scottish dress and marching with their clans, associations, societies, and even Scottish Terriers. It features a colorful display of Highland dancers, clan organizations, Scottish dog breeds, and more, marching up Sixth Avenue, attracting thousands of spectators in person and online. The event also emphasizes the strong business and trade connections between the United States and Scotland. This day is an annual celebration that unites thousands of people across the USA and Canada to honor their Scottish heritage in a spectacular and meaningful manner. Sir Sean Connery and Mayor Michael Bloomberg led the first parade in 2002.

What time is the Tartan Day parade in 2024?

The 26th annual NYC Tartan Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024, marking New York City's biggest annual display of Scottish culture. The parade will step off at 2:00 p.m. at West 44th Street and march up 6th Avenue to 55th Street. The parade will feature bagpipers, drummers, and other Scottish-themed displays, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Tartan Day in New York is a week-long celebration of Scottish heritage, with various Scottish-themed events and activities taking place throughout the city.

Scotland Run:

Scotland Run Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture that takes place in the United States during Tartan Week, which is held in the first week of April to coincide with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath. The event originated in Canada in 1986 and was officially recognized in the United States in 1998. The celebrations include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing, and other Scottish-themed activities. One of the highlights of Tartan Week is the Scotland Run, a 10K race held in Central Park, Manhattan, where participants are encouraged to wear tartan. Whether you have Scottish heritage or not, this day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Scottish and Scottish-diaspora figures of history and to learn more about Scottish culture. So, pack your kilt and running shoes and join the festivities!

Program and Events:

This day is a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, marked by a series of events and programs. The New York City Tartan Day Parade, a highlight of the festivities, features musical performances, cultural demonstrations, and a vibrant display of tartan. In addition to the parade, various events such as ceilidh dances, cocktail parties, and Highland games are organized to honor the contributions of Scottish Americans. The 2024 Tartan Day South schedule includes a Kick Off Party, Celtic Concert, Highland Games & Celtic Festival, and Drumsmoke - an evening of campfires, music, and tribal beats. The celebration includes a free program with pipers, drummers, and highland dancers showcasing Scottish culture. It has expanded into a week-long series of events with traditional music, drinks, and food. These events offer a unique opportunity to immerse in Scottish traditions and celebrate the enduring legacy of Scotland.

Accessories to Wear with Kilt:

In addition to kilts on tartan day, many accessories can be worn to complete the outfit. Kilt accessories are an essential part of the Highland Dress outfit and traditionally vary according to the occasion. Some of the essential accessories include sporrans, sgian dubhs, kilt shoes, kilt pins, kilt hose & socks, ties, kilt flashes, and kilt belts and buckles. Other accessories that can be worn to display your clan's tartan include scarves, tartan sashes, and tartan can koozies. Whether you're attending a parade, playing the bagpipes, or attending other week-long events for Scotland Week, wearing a kilt and its accessories is a perfect way to celebrate this day.

Inclusive Celebration:

This day is a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, held annually on April 6th, that encourages everyone, including non-Scots, to participate and have fun. This universal event showcases the rich and diverse connections between North America and Scotland, as well as the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scots and Scottish Americans to society. This Day is not just about honoring Scottish heritage; it's about fostering a sense of unity and shared values among people from all backgrounds. So, let's embrace the spirit and celebrate the diverse connections that bring us all together!

Celebrate Tartan Day in Style:

Celebrate Tartan Day in style with Fashion Kilt! Embrace the magic of Scottish culture and honor tradition with our modern collection of Kilts For Sale. Whether you're attending the NY Tartan Day Parade or any other Scottish heritage celebration, our custom-made kilts in authentic clan tartans are the perfect choice. Show off your Scottish pride in a kilt, the ultimate symbol of Highland dress, and make a statement with our fully customizable exquisite kilts. With a wide range of tartans to choose from, including Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, Fashion Kilt is your go-to for a stylish and authentic celebration.

FAQs

When does the official recognition of Tartan Day happen?
The official recognition of this Day occurs on April 6th, when the Declaration of Arbroath, signed in 1320, is commemorated in the United States and Canada.

What is the significance of National Tartan Day?
This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which was used as a basis for the American Declaration of Independence. It is a celebration of Scottish heritage and the contributions of Scottish-Americans to the United States.

Is National Tartan Day a public holiday?
No, this day is not considered a public holiday. Businesses operate on normal working hours.

What events are organized for National Tartan Day 2024?
National Tartan Day 2024 will be part of Tartan Week in New York, a week-long celebration of Scottish heritage. Various Scottish-themed events and activities are organized throughout the city during Tartan Week, with the highlight being this day Parade, featuring bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, and other Scottish-themed displays.

When is the 2024 NYC Tartan Day Parade?
The 2024 NYC Tartan Day Parade will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. It will take place on 6th Avenue, marching from West 44th Street to 55th Street.

When is National Tartan Day 2024?
National Tartan Day 2024 is on April 6th, commemorating the Scottish heritage and the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. It is observed in the United States and is a day for people of Scottish descent to celebrate their heritage and contributions.