Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Tartan Day in New York City


 
Melanie and I are in New York City to celebrate Tartan Week, a week of events celebrating Scottish culture, music, art and fashion, with a few surprises I am sure.  Tartan Day itself has been established in perpetuity on the 6th April by Presidential proclamation and celebrates “the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States”. 
 
We join our new friends from Caledonian Club of New York at the head of the parade. The Caledonians are a very friendly club and we have already made a number of new friends and acquaintances at their ceilidh the previous night. Held at the Mount Vernon Hotel, which is reckoned to be the eighth oldest building in Manhattan, it was the perfect venue for Scottish reeling, good food and company. 
 
The parade is the centrepiece of the day, and 83 Scottish groups are registered to take part. This includes over 20 pipe bands, Scottish highland dancers, together with representatives of charitable societies, clan associations and Scottish University alumni groups in New York.  More surprising were the Viking Jarl Squad from the Shetland Isles, a pack of West Highland and Scottish terriers, Shetland ponies dressed in Fair Isle sweaters, a Nessie puppet and the Scottish hip-hop band, Stanley Odd.  Scotia in all her glory is represented here today!
 
We set off to the skirl of the West Point College band and march down Sixth Avenue. A bit foot sore having run the Scotland 10K around Central Park earlier in the day, but the crowd that line the sidewalks are enthusiastic and cheer us on.  It is hard to believe that we are marching down one of the most famous streets in the world.  On the other hand, we are representing a small country with a readily identifiable brand.  The pipes, tartan and dancers were to be expected; the Vikings and hip-hop band less so.  All together they represent the rich, vibrant culture that is Scotland's.

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