As the 25th Anniversary NYC Tartan Day Parade was about to kick off, NYC Mayor Eric Adams presented a proclamation to National Tartan Day New York Committee President Kyle Dawson declaring Saturday, April 15, 2023 in the City of New York as New York City Tartan Parade Day. Read the full proclamation below.
Office of the Mayor
City of New York
Proclamation
Whereas, New York rises on the foundation of generations of immigrants who crossed oceans seeking new freedoms and possibilities. I am enormously proud to lead a city with such a large and thriving population of Scottish Americans who enhance the fabric of our cultural, civic, and economic sectors. Today, I am pleased to join members of this vital community at the 25th annual New York City Tartan Day Parade.
Whereas, In 1998, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans. The following April, the inaugural Tartan Day Parade was held in New York City. What started out as a short procession with two pipe bands and a small but enthusiastic group of participants has expanded into a weeklong series fo Scottish-themed programs known as NYC Tartan Week, which this year includes its first ever Scottish Gaelic song competition as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. The festivities culminate with a vibrant parade up Sixth Avenue featuring more than 3,000 bagpipers, kilt-clad marchers, Highland dancers, clan organizations, and the Celtic canine brigade – a crowd favorite spectacle of Scottish dog breeds dressed in adorable plaid fashions.
Whereas, Today’s much-anticipated event is organized by the National Tartan Day New York Committee, made up of representatives from The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, The New York Caledonian Club, The American-Scottish Foundation, and Clan Campbell. It will be led by the 2023 Grand Marshal, Gail Porter, a Scottish actress, television personality, and advocate for awareness about the hair loss condition alopecia. I applaud everyone associated with presenting the Tartan Day Parade for their efforts to unite Scottish New Yorkers in fellowship as they share their rich heritage with spectators of all backgrounds. I look forward to the many ways our dynamic Scottish community will further invigorate the five boroughs as we take bold steps to #GetStuffDone and forge a brighter, fairer, and more prosperous future for all.
Now therefore, I, Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York, do hereby proclaim Saturday, April 15, 2023, in the City of New York as: New York City Tartan Parade Day