The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo – 2023

The tattoo has been taking place in Halifax since 1979, although this is the first year I have ever attended. This year was extra special for us because JT was participating; and we, his proud parents, wanted to be there.

First of all, I need to tell you what a tattoo is. This tattoo is not a gathering of amazing skin art. According to the NS Tattoo website. (nstattoo.ca), The word Tattoo is derived from Dutch doe den tap toe (translated to turn off the taps). In 17^thcentury Dutch villages when British soldiers were required back at their barracks, a drummer would march through the streets playing the drumbeat doe den tap toe. Over time, the phrase was shortened to tap toe, then anglicized to tattoo and became a word meaning a military musical show. 

Performers come from all over the world to participate in the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo. It combines music of the past and the present that includes dancing, singing, pipes, drums, marching bands and more. What a spectacular event it turned out to be. 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the rest of this blog post will be mostly pictures. My apologies for the photo quality but professional cameras were not permitted so all the pics were snapped by my phone.

Here are some of the highlights:

You gotta love a well designed logo. Even if it is a bad picture.

There were two performances by Mi’kmaq artists Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers that included beautiful dancing.

There were cannons that actually fired and scared the crap out of me.

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood, made several appearances.

The dancers… such beautiful dancers

Pipes and drums, of course. Including The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe band from Australia. I prefer a single set of bag pipes outside over many sets in an arena environment, but the talent was evident.

There was an amazing tribute to the late Gordon Lightfoot. The internationally-renown Canadian singer-songwriter passed away earlier this year.

The Luftwaffenmusikkirps Münster (German Air Force Band Münster) started their set with the Top Gun Anthem which included sunglasses and a rock band. Such a talented group.

Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland left us speechless. They are an elite group. It was obvious how they earned that distinction. And look at those fabulous uniforms.

2023 marked 100 Years of The Naval Reserve. JT was part of this contingent.

The Republic of Korea Navy Band was certainly a crowd pleaser. First they played a special song called Thank You Canada to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice and 60 years of diplomatic relations with Canada. Their appearances included the music, artistic dance, singing and more.

Then there was the United States Air Force Honor Guard who tossed around rifles with bayonets attached as if they were cotton candy.

The finale brought all the participants back out on the floor. Something that was extraordinary to say the least. If you look at the middle of the photo, you will see a bearded trumpet player. That’s JT!

Such an enjoyable night. If you are planning a visit to Halifax in the future and would like to attend the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, it usually takes place over 4 days starting the end of June into the beginning of July. I highly recommend it.

Thank you for reading. 

Photos:  Jenn Stone

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