Uniquely NYC
Tartan (Scottish) Day Parade
The Tartan Parade is among the youngest parades in the City.
Nonetheless, it's grown to become a powerful presence at the NYC scene
since 1997, when the U.S. Senate declared April 6 the National Tartan
Day.
This day has a special meaning to all Americans of Scottish descent,
because on this day in 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish
Declaration of Independence, was signed. It is also a special day for
all Americans, since our own Declaration of Independence is patterned on
that fateful document. Not to mention that almost half of the signers of
the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent as were nine
governors of the original thirteen states. What makes the Tartan Day
truly special is that it's so interwoven with our own heritage and
values.
The Tartan Day Parade in NYC, which marches on Saturday or Sunday
closest to April 6, is the culmination of the festivities. It is the
city's biggest celebration of pipers, drummers, Scottish music and, of
course, the world famous single malt whisky. It also features Scottish
clans and organizations, who step out for this special occasion. The
Parade route begins between West 43rd and West 46th Street on Sixth
Avenue; from there it marches north into Central Park. In a true festive
spirit, the Parade is preceded by a traditional Pre-Parade Ceilidh at
the Caledonian Club the night before. A classic Scottish get-together,
"ceilidh" ("KAY-lee") is Gaelic for a "singing, feasting, dancing and a
rather boisterous good time".