About Tartan Day
Tartan Day, celebrated every April 6th, holds a special place in New England, where Scottish heritage is deeply woven into the region’s cultural fabric. This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which affirmed Scotland’s independence and inspired future struggles for freedom. In New England, where many Scottish immigrants began settling in the 17th century, Tartan Day is an opportunity to honor those ancestral roots. It’s a celebration of not just Scottish history but of the deep connection between Scotland and America, especially in New England, which has been home to generations of Scots.
The festivities can include Highland games, traditional Scottish music, dancing, and food, providing a lively, community-centered celebration. Local clans gather to showcase their heritage, and many also take part in charity events and educational programs that highlight the Scottish influence on the arts, politics, and industry. Tartan Day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Scottish culture in the U.S., particularly in the northeast, and continues to foster pride among those with Scottish ancestry. For many, it’s a time to reconnect with their roots, share their traditions with younger generations, and celebrate the contributions of Scots to the region’s identity.
From the archives
From 1657 to 2025, Scots’ Charitable has long celebrated Scottish traditions including St. Andrew’s Day and Tartan Day. Our archives grew recently after the discovery of an original invitation to our St. Andrews Day “Ball”, which has now been adapted to our Tartan Ball, celebrating Tartan Day.
to the invitation, Scots’ Charitable held a Grand Ball Festival in 1887, to celebrate the Society’s 130th anniversiary. Amazingly, this artifact was recovered by a friend of the Society at an antique shop in Texas in 2024!
The Ball traditionally kicked off with a ceremonial March and Circle dance, before partners, friends and Scots alike embraced for a Quadrille and the Highland Fling solo dance.
The Sword Dance was undoubtedly a highlight of the evening, believed to have originated from from the battles of King Malcolm III (1058-1093), where brave and sword adorned Scots’ danced as victors over fallen enemy soldiers.
Festivities continued with a waltz and Highland Shottische where lively footwork and smooth sweeping turns preceded the synchronized formations of the Contra Dance (Patronella). The evening concluded with the Auld Lang Syne, an ancient Scottish song and bid farewell; a tradition that is still in practice today.
Celebrating Tartan Day 2025
At the Tartan Ball, guests can expect a lively evening filled with various forms of entertainment. The event features live music from top local Scottish musicians, including a harpist during the cocktail hour, followed by award-winning pipers, fiddlers, and Highland dancers. One of the evening’s highlights is a performance by Celtic Beats, a Ceilidh band led by bagpiper Campbell Webster, known for his work with the Dropkick Murphys. The event also includes a catered 3-course meal, raffles, and an after-dinner Ceilidh dance where attendees can join in an open musical jam session. The Tartan Ball is an excellent opportunity to experience the enduring influence of Scottish culture in the region, with formal Scottish dresswear highly encouraged as a way to honor the traditions of the celebration. It is a memorable way to enjoy the spirit of Tartan Day and celebrate the rich Scottish heritage in New England.
2024 Tartan Ball
Scots' Charitable Society 