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
Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs
Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account
A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code
Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.
Oilers' Henrique, Stars' Hintz out for Game 1 of West final
Top-line Dallas Stars centre Roope Hintz will still be out of the lineup for the Western Conference Final opener Thursday night against Edmonton, which is still without forward Adam Henrique.
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town
Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished. It used to be the sort of place where parents let their kids roam free or play in the local creek, but everything has changed.
What is 'slapped cheek disease' and should parents be concerned?
Despite its rough name, experts say most cases of 'slapped cheek disease' are mild and not a cause for concern.
American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory
American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.
Unknown Newfoundland soldier from the First World War heads back home from France after 100 years
Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home.
Calgary Philharmonic takes action following investigation into 'deeply troubling' comments by 2 musicians
The Calgary Philharmonic has confirmed its taking action after controversial online comments made by two members of the orchestra.