National Tartan Day

National Tartan Day is an annual Canadian holiday celebrating Scottish heritage. It is also celebrated in the United States. The main symbol of the holiday is a Scottish checkered fabric Tartan, which is used to make the world-famous Scottish skirts. The holiday is celebrated on April 6.

History

The celebration of National Tartan Day began in 1998. Gradually it spread not only across Canada, but also in many states of the United States. The creation of the holiday is dedicated to the event which took place on this day in 1320, when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, securing the foundations of Scottish independence. Now the country could make its own political decisions and also form its own army, which could defend the interests of the state in case of attack by enemies.

The holiday received official status later, in 2004, at the initiative of the Canadian authorities. For the United States, the value of the holiday lies in the fact that the famous Declaration of Independence was based on nothing other than the Scottish equivalent of 1320.

Interesting facts

• The largest Scottish diaspora in a non-English speaking country lives in Argentina. It includes about 100,000 Scots.
• Many of the people who created the Declaration of Independence were from Scotland.
• Scottish plaid is very popular for plaids, coats, scarves, shirts.

How to celebrate

Take part in festivities celebrating Scottish culture. Enjoy national music, buy a Scottish kilt, learn to play folk instruments. Learn more about Scottish traditions on the Internet or by interacting with cultural representatives in real life.

Tell about the holiday on social media. Ask users what interesting facts they know about Scottish culture?

When is National Tartan Day celebrated in 2024?

National Tartan Day is observed on April 6 each year.

Observations