New York City Tartan Day Parade Returns for 2025 Celebration of Scottish Heritage

The 27th annual NYC Tartan Day Parade will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

The New York City Tartan Day Parade will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as part of NYC Tartan Week, an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and the contributions of Scottish Americans. The parade will begin at 2:00 PM, starting from West 45th Street and proceeding up Sixth Avenue to 55th Street.

Tartan Day originated in Canada in 1986, when the Federation of Scottish Clans designated April 6 as a day to recognize Scottish contributions to North America. The date marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland’s 1320 assertion of independence. In 1998, the United States Senate formally recognized National Tartan Day, acknowledging the impact of Scottish Americans in shaping the country’s history.

The first New York City Tartan Day Parade took place in 1999 with a small group of marchers and two pipe bands. Since then, it has expanded into the largest Tartan Day parade in the U.S., featuring thousands of participants and drawing spectators from around the world.

The event has seen a variety of high-profile Grand Marshals over the years. Sir Sean Connery led the parade in 2002, an appearance that significantly boosted its visibility. More recently, actress Karen Gillan served as Grand Marshal in 2022. The parade has also featured unique elements, such as international pipe bands and Scottish breed dog processions.

This year’s Grand Marshal will be Alan Cumming, a Scottish actor known for his work in theater, film, and television. More than 4,000 marchers are expected, including 1,500 bagpipers, Scottish clan representatives, and Highland dancers. Traditional Scottish music will be performed throughout the parade route.

The event is free to attend, and participants can register through the NYC Tartan Week website until March 17, 2025. More details on related events, including whisky tastings, concerts, and cultural discussions, are available online.

For more information, visit nyctartanweek.org.