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Tartan Week: Get a Wee Bit Scottish with Your Wee Ones
Last week it was all about St. Patrick's Day and yesterday we highlighted a series of amazing Japanese cultural events. But starting April 1 the kilts come out as NYC goes a wee bit Scottish in honor of Tartan Week.
While some of the events, like a parade with thousands of bagpipers and a festival filled with music, dance and games, only happen once a year, there are other ways to celebrate the culture year-round. Here's how to get Scottish in the city with your clan.
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Annual Scottish Cultural Events
Tartan Day Parade - Saturday, April 9
The main event is NYC's annual Tartan Day Parade, which kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, April 9. Watch as pipe bands, dancers and other groups show off their Scottish pride marching up Sixth Avenue from 45th and 55th Streets.
Annual Shearing of the Heather in Fort Tryon Park - Saturday, April 9
Kids can join in a parade with their own drums at the Annual Shearing of the Heather in Fort Tryon Park, which takes place Saturday, April 9 from 10am-noon. If you don't know about this beautiful heath at the top of Manhattan, this is a great time to check it out. Families can watch as horticulturalists shear the heather, join the Pipes and Drums processional, and participate in a heather boutonniere-making workshop.
Toss a caber at the Highland Games - Saturday, June 4
Bring your lads and laddies to the Bonnie Brae Scottish Festival and Highland Games on Saturday, June 4 from 9am-5:30pm in Liberty Corner, NJ (about 45 minutes to an hour from NYC.) There will be traditional highland games your kids probably haven't seen before--tossing the welly boot anyone? Visitors can also enjoy Scottish music, dance and even sheep dog demons. Go to bonnie-brae.org/sg2011.asp for more info.
Ways to Celebrate Scottish Culture Year-round
Visit the statue of Robert Burns in Central Park and read a few famous Scottish poems and stories
A monument dedicated to Scotland's beloved 18th-century poet stands along Literary Walk near East 65th St. (There's also a statue of his compatriot, novelist Sir Walter Scott, but the kids probably aren't ready for Ivanhoe). When you go, bring along a few of Burns' famous poems like "To A Mouse" or "Auld Lang Syne," and have fun practicing your Scottish accent. Or read famous Scottish children's stories like The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby or the nursery rhyme "Wee Willie Winkie".
Eat like a Scot
Hit a British food shop and try some traditional Scottish goodies. One of my family's favorites is Myers of Keswick at 634 Hudson Street in the West Village. Nosh on homemade meat pies, or be brave and take home some Haggis for dinner. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some Scottish shortbread or other treats.
Wear your tartan
Dig something plaid out of your closet to wear. Explain to your children how in Scotland, every family has its own specific plaid design called a tartan. Then have your kids choose colors and create their own pattern for your clan. For inspiration, drop by the second annual Dressed to Kilt Pop-Up Shop at 939 Madison Avenue between 74th and 75th Streets, where you can marvel at haute couture kilts through April 10.
Cheerio the nou! (That's, goodbye for now)!
