National Tartan Day

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Feb 16, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
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National Tartan Day is celebrated with all the festivities by Scottish people and highland dancers.

Where is National Tartan Day celebrated?

National Tartan Day is celebrated all over the United States.

Who is National Tartan Day celebrated by?

The Americans celebrate national Tartan Day to honor the Scottish Americans for their accomplishments.

When did National Tartan Day first start?

In the mid-'80s, Tartan Day first originated in Canada. On March 20, 1998, a resolution was issued commemorating National Tartan Day.

Who started National Tartan Day?

It was petitioned to provincial legislatures by Jean Watson, Clan Lamond President, to recognize April 6 as the National Tartan Day.

Alan Cumming, Brian Cox, Kevin McKidd, Sam Heughan all have participated in the New York parades.

History And Timeline

National Tartan Day is when Scotland became an independent country on April 6, 1320, when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, giving them full sovereignty and the power to defend themselves with military force.

Birth Of A Glorious Heritage

By signing the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish gained their freedom.

April 6, 1320

Establishment Of Canadian National Tartan Day

The National Tartan Day of Canada was established. The Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia had proposed a 'Tartan Day' to celebrate and honor Scottish ancestry in Canada.

March 9, 1986

Action Of Ontario Legislature

Following the lead of other Canadian jurisdictions, the Ontario Legislature passed a resolution declaring April 6 as Tartan Day in response to an initiative by the Scottish clans & Scottish Societies of Canada.

December 19, 1991

Scottish, The Founding Fathers

Senate Resolution 155, recognizing the strong Scottish presence among the Founding Fathers and attributing the formation of the Declaration of Independence to the Declaration of Arbroath, was passed.

March 20, 1998

Glory Parade Of Pipes And Drums

Tunes of Glory Parade, dubbed the largest parade of pipes and drums are ever seen, took place in New York on National Tartan Day with over 8,000 pipers and drummers and Sir Sean Connery as grand marshal.

April 6, 2002

Traditions And Customs

On or around April 6, major cities such as New York host National Tartan Day parades. Bagpipe bands playing Scottish music and people dressed in kilts with tartan patterns representing their Scottish clans are familiar sights at these parades.

Special award ceremonies are held on Tartan Day, often coordinated by organizations like the American Scottish Foundation. On this day, Scottish Americans' enthusiasm and character are honored and their numerous contributions to culture and way of life.

Ways To Observe or Celebrate National Tartan Day

It's a fantastic method for individuals with no ties to Scotland to learn about their traditions and customs.

Parades, ceremonies, and festivities are held in several sections of the country. Tartan Day events can be found on local civic websites. Learn more about Scots in the United States.

Also, don't forget to wear your tartan! You'll undoubtedly feel left out if you don't wear a kilt on this day. Another essential component in a true Scotsman's wardrobe is the sporran.

While it is not a holiday, people in New York, America, celebrate Scottish history with a Tartan Day Parade. Enjoy a classic Scottish meal. Haggis and black pudding are both traditional Scottish foods.

Facts And Stats

  • On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate issued a resolution commemorating National Tartan Day. Celebrate National Tartan Day by taking part in the Tartan Day parade and events held on this day.
  • On this day, people are urged to wear their clan or nation tartan, but if you don't have one, there are four universal tartans to choose from: the Black Watch, the Hunting Stewart, the Caledonia, and the Jacobite.
  • A fun fact to know on this National Tartan Day is that during his Apollo 12 mission in 1969, Alan Bean carried a piece of MacBean tartan on the moon.

What is Canada's National Tartan Day?

The Minister of Canadian Heritage recognized April 6 as Tartan Day on October 21, 2010. It is commemorated on April 6 to mark the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.

How to celebrate National Tartan Day?

Celebrate this National Tartan Day by knowing more about Scotland and its customs.

What is National Tartan Day?

National Tartan Day is an annual celebration of Scottish history in North America. It began in the mid-'80s in Canada.

When is Tartan Day?

Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6 every year.

What is the difference between Scottish Heritage Day and National Tartan Day?

Every year, on November 30, Scottish Heritage Day is observed. Residents of SDG have a unique connection to the day because Scottish pioneers were among the first to arrive in Upper Canada in the 18th century and establish homesteads. 

What are some advantages of National Tartan Day?

Tartan Day gives people in non-Scottish countries a reason to appreciate their Scottish ancestry and Scottish descent. People get to see glory parades, pipe bands wearing tartan and kilts, and pay homage to the brave Scots. People celebrate this day in various ways to promote Scottish heritage and remember the Scottish roots.

What are the limitations of celebrating National Tartan Day?

Unfortunately, Tartan day is not observed as a national holiday day. The day follows office hours with a regular schedule.

What does the government say about National Tartan Day?

The Scottish Coalition USA has played a key role in developing and sustaining a national platform for Tartan Day celebrations in the United States, which are currently celebrated in various ways around the country, from San Diego to Charlotte, Washington, DC, and New York City.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, April 06, 2020
  • Tuesday, April 06, 2021
  • Wednesday, April 06, 2022
  • Thursday, April 06, 2023
  • Saturday, April 06, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

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Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

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Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

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