Festivals are joyful events that take place annually to bring people together. The Scots and Irish people find them a chance to showcase their culture with kilts being a primary expression of that pride. Ireland and Scotland celebrate numerous festivals annually in their traditional attire as national pride. This discussion will talk about the most expressive festivals to showcase kilts. Before concluding the article, you will learn tips for wearing kilts at these festivals. We begin our journey with the most iconic celebrations in Scotland.
Scottish Festivals to Showcase Kilts
Scotland is known as home to several festivals, and more than 200 festivals take place there. These festivities have different themes from local to international. Similarly, all of them have different durations. The thing they share collectively is the attire. Scots ensure to wear their traditional kilts or even kilt outfits depending on the theme of the festival. They consider festivals to be a chance to showcase ancestry via kilts.
Burns Night Supper
A person familiar with Scottish culture and kilts must know Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. He played a particular role in preserving Scottish culture including kilts. So, Scots wear their Scottish Highland Dress preferably made with tartan to admire their culture and respect the poet.
The Highland Games
Highland Games are a primary identity of Scotland, attracting millions of visitors annually. Scots wear their traditional or modern kilts, whether they are participants or spectators. Scots exhibit their cultural dresses while people from other countries also wear kilts to show unity with them. All types of men’s kilts including utility, hybrid, denim, and leather kilts are possible to see.
National Tartan Day
The National Tartan Day is another popular event but not specific to Scotland. Many countries worldwide celebrate it, but the association of tartan with Scots makes it famous in Scotland. The celebrations occur on 6th April every year. To make the day equivalent to its name, people participate in parades and other activities by wearing their family tartan kilts to disclose their identity.
The Hogmanay
Let’s talk about Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve in Scotland. The celebrations start when the date changes. Different types of kilts can be worn but people prefer tartan kilts representing their clan or region. Choosing this particular variation reveals their devotion to their identity.
Saint Andrew’s Day
Religious festivals are also common in Scotland. Saint Andrew’s Day is the most prominent one. The day is celebrated to admire the gloried person who was a patron saint and apostle to Jesus Christ. People commemorate this day in their traditional attire while the popular kilt to dress in on this day is St. Andrew Tartan Kilt.
Irish Festivals to Showcase Kilt
It’s time to explore the most popular Irish festivals where they wear regional kilts to celebrate tradition. Irish kilts are usually made with tartan and worn at formal events only. In contrast to Scottish tradition, Irish kilts are typically reserved for formal events. Moreover, Irish people celebrate around 300 festivals a year.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saint Patrick’s Day is a common celebration in Ireland where people are seen parading in every street or road. Individuals there are seen in green-colored kilts symbolizing the saint. Therefore, St. Patrick Tartan Kilts are popular worldwide.
The Galway International Arts Festival
It is another famous festival in Ireland that attracts thousands of visitors. The festival is about movies, theater, and music. Irish people ensure their participation in their regional tartan kilts. Therefore, Saffron Tartan Kilts or those made with green shades like Solid Green Kilts are also a top choice for wearers. Both of these colors represent the past of Ireland. Wearers express their cultural pride through traditional dress.
Irish Weddings
Weddings in Ireland are often celebrated with the same joy and festivity as public festivals. Like Scottish weddings, the groom and his men wear kilt outfits. Scots represent their clan while Irish people wear their regional tartan. Brides are not restricted to wearing a tartan and they normally dress in white attire.
Tips for Wearing a Kilt at Festivals
No matter whether it is a Scottish or an Irish festival, wearing a kilt properly should be the primary concern. Many people ignore some points while dressing in their traditional dress which disrespects the attire. We made a list of tips to maintain its charm.
- While honoring tradition, comfort should be a priority when wearing kilts. So, choose the perfect fabric to stay comfortable.
- Ensure accessorizing kilts with proper accessories like kilt pins, sporrans, and hoses. Neglecting these accessories leaves the outfit incomplete.
- The accurate size of the kilt is what helps in comfort and unrestricted mobility. That’s why even a small mistake in fit can ruin the investment.
- Understanding tartan is essential. Those having traditional tartans should go with their tartans. While those with no Scottish or Irish tartan can wear universal tartans at these festivals.
- Consider the weather when choosing your kilt and accessories for festivals. Make sure to layer some fabrics in winter for protection and use lightweight material in summer.
- The final tip is to respect the attire. There are many ways to do so like properly caring for it, wearing the right length, and attaching essential components.
Find Your Perfect Festival Kilt at Scottish Kilt Co
No matter where you live, Scotland or Ireland, festivals continue all around the year. You probably need kilts to participate and celebrate. So, choose ideal kilts that are only available at well-reputed brands like Scottish Kilt Co. We not only sell premium quality kilts but their accessories as well. Above all, we provide excellent return and exchange policies other than cost-effectiveness.
