An International Tattoo!

July 2, 2015 -  Day 17-Part 2

Wow, awesome, spectacular, stirring…all words to describe the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo that we saw last night.  When I first heard about this, I pictured everyone in a line getting a big tattoo!! But, this was something much different.  It is an annual production that started in 1979 to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Nova Scotia for the Gathering of the Clans.  It was granted Royal Status in 2006 by the Queen.  Tattoo is short for “turn off the taps”, a drumbeat used in the 1700’s to signal British soldiers to return to their quarters.   That gives a hint to the flavor of the event—it had a military twist—it is described as a celebration of the ties that exist between military and civilian communities all over the world.  The program is filled with military bands, pipe and drum corps, and included dancers, choirs, singers, acrobats, policemen on motorcycles, gymnasts, etc. from many different countries.  It’s so hard to describe, but it’s guaranteed that everyone left feeling great after this 2 1/2 hour performance  that included 2,000 performers!  The motorcycle policemen were from Paris, there were gymnasts and cyclists from Germany, bands from Sweden, Norway, UK, and even a pipe and drum group from Oman (an Arab country).  At one point Jim counted 44 bagpipes on stage!

There was an incredible opening and an even more incredible finale where all of the performers were on stage.    We weren’t supposed to take pictures (oops) but I did manage to grab a few shots without the flash.  The program moved quickly…as one group marched off, the spotlight shifted and there was something new beginning.  So different than anything we’ve seen. Very well done, and quite an impressive display of talent. 

It was neat to see the Fife and Drum Corp from Boston appear carrying the American flag.  There were several different gymnastic groups.

 

It was interesting that there was a religious song at the end, and they sang the national anthem for Canada at the end of the program.  There was a massive crowd, and we were lucky to have great seats for the event.  We can now say we’ve been Tattooed!