What is Tartan Day in the USA?
Tartan Day was officially declared by the US Senate in 1998 to honour the contributions that American Scots have made to the US.
In New York, events have expanded to a whole week of celebrations. From Scottish ceilidh dances to Tartan Day cocktails and the parade itself, a week-long series of events enables people to live and breathe the spirit of Scotland.
The celebrations showcase North America’s flourishing connections to Scotland. All of this would be incomplete without the famous NYC Tartan Day Parade, when pipes and drums parade proudly down 6th Avenue.
Photo credit: Instagram @kiltedyogis
WHAT IS THE NYC TARTAN DAY PARADE?
The annual NYC Tartan Day Parade showcases the contribution Scots have made to the USA. It brings together clans, bands, community groups and people across the US who celebrate their connection to Scotland.
The parade strikes a universal chord from international pipers and drummers, being loud and proud to celebrate the Scottish contribution made to America.
Last year, 3,600 people took part in the NYC Tartan Day Parade and it was watched by over 45,000 spectators.
It is led by an honorary Grand Marshal, usually a famous Scottish personality. For 2024, the NYC Tartan Day Parade Grand Marshal is Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor, Dougray Scott.
Past Grand Marshals have included Gail Porter, Karen Gillan, Billy Connolly, Brian Cox, Kevin McKidd, Alan Cumming and Sam Heughan, together with former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
WHEN IS THE NYC TARTAN DAY PARADE?
In 2024, the annual NYC Tartan Day Parade is on Saturday 6 April. It will be taking place on 6th Avenue in New York City, as the centrepiece of the Tartan Week calendar. It's a parade that embodies the pride and passion of Scotland.
Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024
To celebrate Tartan Day, the Washington Tattoo is hosting the Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024. The gathering is an opportunity to celebrate Scottish connections and for the first time, showcase music and dance from American and Scottish cultures in a public theatre.
It will blend traditional and contemporary music with military tattoo traditions, made famous by the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tartan Day Tattoo will showcase global talent from Scotland, the USA and Australia with highland dancers, bagpipers and vocalists.
Discover more about the Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024
Image credit: The Washington Tattoo
TARTAN DAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE USA
Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that American Scots have made to the USA. Celebrations will take place across the country including the NYC Tartan Day Parade, Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024, and The Tartan Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Explore your connections with Scotland and meet other members of our global community.
*Header image photo credit: Instagram @thefirstpiper