The 27th Annual Tartan Day Parade: A Celebration of Scottish Heritage in New York City

New York City’s streets will once again come alive with the sound of bagpipes, twirls of tartan, and spirited camaraderie of Scots and Scottish enthusiasts alike. The St Andrews Alumni Club of New York is gearing up for the 27th Annual Tartan Day Parade, an event that brings together thousands to honor Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

At the heart of this celebration stands the St Andrew's Society of the State of New York, the city’s oldest Scottish organisation, founded in 1756. Established during the colonial era, the Society has been a pillar of support for the Scottish immigrant community for more than two and a half centuries. Originally formed to provide financial assistance and aid to Scottish newcomers, it has evolved into an institution dedicated to both philanthropy and the preservation of Scottish traditions in the United States.

One of its most significant contributions is its leadership in organising Tartan Day festivities. National Tartan Day, observed annually on 6 April, is a tribute to the impact of Scottish-Americans on the history, culture, and prosperity of the United States. This date holds deep historical significance, marking the anniversary of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath, a document in which Scottish nobles asserted Scotland’s independence from England in a direct appeal to Pope John XXII. The legacy of this declaration resonates far beyond medieval Scotland, as it later influenced key principles in the US Declaration of Independence.

Though Tartan Day in its modern form is a relatively recent creation, the celebration of Scottish identity in New York dates back much further. Scottish heritage has long been woven into the city’s fabric, but it was in the late twentieth century that advocacy efforts led to the official recognition of a day dedicated to honouring Scotland’s influence in North America. The campaign gained momentum in 1982 when New York State Governor Hugh Carey and New York City Mayor Ed Koch proclaimed 1 July as ‘Tartan Day’ to mark the 200th anniversary of the repeal of the Prohibition Act — a British law that had banned the wearing of tartan and carrying of arms after the Jacobite uprising of 1745. The movement continued to grow, and in 1998, the US Senate formally designated 6 April as National Tartan Day.

Since then, Tartan Day has blossomed into a multi-day affair, with the Annual Tartan Day Parade as its crowning event. This year, the parade promises to be as grand as ever, featuring a procession of pipers, Highland dancers, Scottish clan delegations, and enthusiastic participants donning their finest tartan attire. The march up Sixth Avenue will draw thousands of spectators eager to celebrate Scotland’s enduring spirit in the heart of Manhattan.

Beyond the parade, Tartan Week offers a variety of cultural events, from whisky tastings and ceilidhs to lectures on Scottish history and literature. Traditional Scottish fare — including haggis, shortbread, and fine Scotch whisky — plays a prominent role in the festivities. The gatherings provide an opportunity for Scots and Scottish-Americans to come together in a shared appreciation of their heritage.

For the St Andrews Alumni Club of New York, participation in the parade proves to be a celebration and tribute to the generations of Scots who have left their mark on the city. As the 27th Annual Tartan Day Parade approaches, anticipation builds for another unforgettable display of Scottish pride and tradition.

Image by University of St Andrews