Ottawa celebrates Scottish heritage on Tartan Day
Parliament Hill was a sea of plaid Sunday afternoon for National Tartan Day.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The celebration of all things Scottish saw a slew of performances from local pipers, drummers and highland dancers.
Officially marked by the Government of Canada, Tartan Day has grown more popular every year, adopted by diaspora around the world since the 1990s.
It was the capital’s 16th year celebrating the event since the holiday was brought to Canada in 1992.
The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band kicked off the afternoon with a few traditional songs – the pipes and drums quickly drawing hundreds of listeners.
For organizer and Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion, her culture is one she is more than happy to share.
"I love the fact that people bring their kids out or even if they're just walking by and they stop and visit," she said.
"The people that have put their tartans on, it's just so meaningful and thoughtful."
Hammering away on the base drum front and centre was young Leo Perrakis. Having never touched the instrument, he was performing a routine he learned just last week.
"I joined late and just had one rehearsal, but I’m feeling pretty good," he laughed.
Highland dancers perform on Parliament Hill for National Tartan Day. Apr. 21, 2024 (Sam Houpt/CTV News)
Parents Gabrielle Weiler and Evan Perrakis were cheering from the sidelines. They soon got to join in on the fun as members of the audience were pulled in for some Highland dancing.
"I'm feeling great. That warmed me up a bit on this cold day," said Evan.
"It’s lots of fun and we’re thrilled to be a part of this," said Gabrielle.
"It’s my side of the family that’s got the Scot in it, so I’ve got my purple dance tartan on today."
The professionals from MacCulloch Dancers then took to the floor, tapping away complicated routines in both Highland and Celtic-Canadian Step styles.
"I’m relieved it went well and people enjoyed it," said dancer Isabella Bayne.
If there was anyone in attendance who was not already enraptured, that was quelled when the Corgi parade marched in.
In a matter of minutes, the stubby pups captured the hearts of the crowd, especially those done up in tiny tartans.
The corgi parade quickly captured the hearts of the crowd on Apr. 21, 2024 (Sam Houpt/CTV News)
For Bisaillion, she says she hopes people take away a newfound curiosity of the Celtic arts.
"Maybe their kids show interest in learning how to do some form of dancing or take up an instrument after a day like this, because it can be really impactful," Bisaillion said.
Resident Jean Roberth Souza said he was thrilled to see the cultural event take place.
"I live in Ottawa-Gatineau, but I love to get to know other cultures because we are here in a multicultural society that makes Canada," he said.
"That's Ottawa."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.