Irish & Scottish Dress
Top Scottish and Irish Festivals to Showcase Kilts
Kilts are worn worldwide, specifically in countries with Scottish or Irish communities. Scottish traditional apparel dominates because of its past which has existed for almost 5 centuries. Therefore, Irish kilts are only a century older. Scottish kilts have become everyday wear, so Scottish kilts for menare available in several variations. At the same time, Irish people have to wait for particular occasions to showcase their kilts. This article intends to highlight festivals in both countries to express their origin or region. Let’s begin with the Scottish festival to showcase kilts.
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ToggleTop Scottish Festivals to Showcase Your Tartan Kilt
According to Wikipedia, Scotland hosts almost 200 different festivals around the year. These festivities began in different eras. All events welcome kilt-wearers and the type of kilts depends on their themes. Here are the most popular traditional occasions to put on kilts.The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Scotland hosts a festival annually, known as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This yearly event, which is one of Scotland’s cultural highlights, is held in Edinburgh as part of the city’s summer festivals. The Tattoo features performances by marching bands, dancers, and artists from all around the world, showcasing military customs, Scottish heritage, and global culture.Highland Games
Highland games are one of the most traditional sporting festivals and originated in Highland. Therefore, this gaming festival spread its roots to connected countries. Several games like Caber Toss, Tug O War, Hammer Throw, etc. are identical to Highland games. Similarly, dancing and singing competitions take place in the entire Scotland. Locals prefer wearing their tartan kilts since the clan tartans act as their identity.Burns Night
The list of Scottish festivities is only complete with Burns Night, celebrated on 25th Januaryevery year. This night is associated with Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. He got this title because of his role in preserving Scottish history through his words in the form of poetry. He was the first one to use the word “Tam O Shanter” which is now a traditional Scottish cap. Because of his part in preserving the culture, Scots today celebrate his day passionately wearing their traditional tartan kilts.National Tartan Day
Though tartan and kilts both have a primary association with Scotland, National Tartan Day’s origin dates back to Canada, only three decades ago. The 6th of April was decided to celebrate this day, which is now commemorated worldwide, specifically the countries where kilt-wearing is a common practice. Tartan kilts are commonly spotted everywhere since the day represents this particular attire. Scots and Irish people wear their family or regional tartans, while non-Highlanders wear universal tartan kilts like Black Watch Tartan Kiltsand Royal Stewart Tartan kilts to show unity with them.Hogmanay, The New Year’s Eve
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is called Hogmanay. Although it wasn’t a New Year’s celebration, this event took the role of Christmas for 400 years.. Christmas celebrations were banned in 1640 in Scotland, so the people used to celebrate Hogmanay as its alternative. After the ban was lifted, Scots continued to celebrate this event as the initiative of the new year. Some common festivities of this event are first footing, bonfires, dinners, Ceilidh, etc. Though different kilt variations from utility kilts to denim kilts are wearable, people prefer their family kilts.Kilts for Scottish Festivities
Irish Festivals to Showcase Kilts
Irish people also celebrate a large number of festivals. According to sources, the number of traditional events there is almost 400. Therefore, Irish events are what allow them to wear their regional kilts.St. Patrick’s Festival
The first festival where Irish people do not miss wearing their kilts is Saint Patrick’s Day which is celebrated on the 17th March annually. The celebrations started as religious rituals but now the day has become a vibrant culture. Parades, music and dancing, feasts, and small gatherings are the most popular celebrations of the day. Moreover, the most popular tartan choice to attire on this day is Mens St. Patrick Clan Tartan Kilt.Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Every year, hundreds of musicians and tourists go to Ireland’s largest traditional music festival. Irish music, dancing, and culture are a part of this vibrant festival, which also serves as the ideal platform for showcasing Irish kilts. Participants often don regional tartans to represent their heritage while enjoying sessions, parades, and competitions.Celtic Fringe Festival
The Celtic Fringe Festival is also a cultural event, but it primarily celebrates Celtic heritage. It is usually held in parts of Ireland and coastal areas with Celtic history. Some popular commemorations of the day are traditional music, storytelling, dance performances, and reenactments. Attendees wear their kilts to highlight their connection with Celtic roots. Irish tartans and accessories are displayed with pride during the festivities.Puck Fair
One of Ireland’s oldest fairs, Puck Fair blends celebration with mythology and takes place in Killorglin, County Kerry, every August. Days of parades, dancing, and music surround the coronation of a wild goat as “King Puck.” Kilts are worn by both locals and visitors to demonstrate their ties to Irish culture. Wearing a kilt and celebrating Irish heritage is appropriate because the event is a celebration of tradition.Kilts to Wear at Irish Festivals
The story of tartans in Ireland is different from Scots since their patterns reflect the region. So, people from every region wear their own tartan. However, some universal tartans to wear at these festivals are:Where to Buy the Perfect Kilt – Irish Kilt Shop
Now that you know different Scottish and Irish festivals to showcase kilts, it’s time to find a reliable brand where you can purchase your next kilt. While looking for an online retailer, you must know a few things like the quality of kilts, price tag, delivery time, and what return and exchange policies it has. You probably will not find a brand offering all of these facilities together. But wait, let us introduce “Irish Kilt Shop,” an online brand with excellent worth in client dealing.
FAQs about Kilts on Scottish and Irish Festivals
What’s the difference between a Scottish kilt and an Irish tartan?
The query of the differences between Irish and Scottish tartan kiltsis very common today. They vary significantly from each other like:
- Irish tartan represents the regions while Scottish tartan highlights the clans.
- Irish kilts are simple while Scottish kilts have complex patterns.
- Tartans worn in Ireland have green as the primary color while Scots use a diverse range of shades.
What accessories should I wear with my kilt at a festival?
The overall number of kilt accessories may be different while Scots and Irish people share some common attachments like Sporrans, kilt pins, kilt shoes, etc.
How can I clean and care for my kilt after attending an event?
The care that tartan kilts require after being worn at an event is not very difficult. All you need to do is hang it in the natural air so the smell of sweat blows away. That’s why you must prioritize air freshening and spot cleaning with a wet cloth. In the end, store it properly, so the moisture may not impact the fabric.
Do Irish women wear kilts too?
Yes, women do wear kilts today, whether they are Scottish or Irish. Kilt outfits remained specific to men till the 19th century but now there are no gender limitations.