NATIONAL DAYHISTORY & MILITARY

National Tartan Day

National Tartan Day is a day to pause, remember, and thank the people whose service made our ordinary days possible.

APR6

Tuesday, April 6Every year on April 6

days to go

Roots: Established in 1998 by the U.S. Senate
Vibe: Joyful and culturally rich
Also on Apr 6: Bohring-Opitz Syndrome (Bos) Awareness Day · Student-Athlete Day · Teflon Day
Hashtag: #NationalTartanDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Tartan Day.

Send a note to someone who has served.
Attend a local ceremony or observance if there is one.
Fly a flag properly, or don't fly one you can't maintain.
Donate to a veterans' service organization.
Teach a kid one piece of local history they don't know yet.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Watch a documentary or read a local history piece together and discuss it.
Kids
Help them write a short thank-you card to a veteran or service member.
Couples
Attend a local ceremony or observance together.
Office
Host a moment of recognition — a short announcement, a card circulated, a donation drive.
School
Invite a local veteran to speak, or visit a nearby historic site.
Community
Volunteer with an organization that serves veterans and their families.
Just me
Read one first-person account by someone who served. Let it sit.

Plan ahead

National Tartan Day is observed on April 6 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Mon, Apr 6this year

2027Tue, Apr 6

2028Thu, Apr 6

2029Fri, Apr 6

2030Sat, Apr 6

2031Sun, Apr 6

2032Tue, Apr 6

2033Wed, Apr 6

2034Thu, Apr 6

2035Fri, Apr 6

2036Sun, Apr 6

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Fast facts

Millions of Americans claim Scottish ancestry

Celebrated across the United States

The story

National Tartan Day, commemorated on April 6, recognizes the significant influence of Scottish culture in America. This date was chosen to honor the Declaration of Arbroath, a 1320 document asserting Scotland's independence. The observance was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 1998, marking a formal acknowledgment of the contributions of Scots to American society.

Read the full story

In the United States, National Tartan Day is celebrated through various activities, including parades, festivals, and educational events. Communities across the nation come together to showcase Scottish music, dance, and traditional attire, fostering a sense of unity and pride among participants. Major cities such as New York and Chicago often host large celebrations that attract thousands.

Families and individuals often participate by wearing tartan patterns, symbolizing their Scottish heritage. It’s common to see bagpipers, dancers, and even Highland games, where athletes compete in traditional Scottish sports. This lively atmosphere not only highlights the cultural richness of Scotland but also promotes appreciation for diversity in American history.

As National Tartan Day continues to grow in popularity, it stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Scottish immigrants and their descendants. Their stories and traditions are woven into the fabric of American culture, making this day an important occasion to celebrate heritage, community, and shared history.