Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | RNSIT |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1979 |
| Type | Organizations based in Canada with royal patronage |
| Legal status | active |
| Purpose | advocate and public voice, educator and network |
| Location | |
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Official language
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English, French |
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Patron
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His Majesty The King |
| Website | https://nstattoo.ca |
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a big show that gets its ideas from military shows called Military Tattoos. These shows feature military bands and special display teams. It happens every year in Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia. The show has been running since 1979. You can currently see it at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.
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What is the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo?
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is special compared to other Tattoos around the world. It feels more like a play or a musical. The show includes both military members and everyday performers.
It takes place inside the Scotiabank Centre arena. This venue looks a bit like a traditional theater where the audience sits all around the stage. The show uses many costumes and is practiced a lot. A large team works behind the scenes. This team includes technical staff, choreographers, and costume designers. This detailed planning also makes it different from other Tattoos.
Building Friendships Through Performance
A special idea called Bond of Friendship is part of the Nova Scotia Tattoo every year. This theme helps to build and strengthen relationships between different countries. Other themes are also added each year. These often relate to important military anniversaries.
Over 2 million people have watched the show since it started. Tens of thousands of performers from 21 countries have taken part. The Tattoo also helps the economy of Nova Scotia. It brings in millions of dollars for the province and the Halifax area.
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society presents the show. Many groups support this society. These include the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. The Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police also help. The Halifax Regional Municipality and local businesses also provide support.
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a registered charity in Canada. It is mostly run by volunteers.
History of the Tattoo Show
The word Tattoo comes from a Dutch phrase, doe den tap toe. This means "turn off the taps." In the 1600s, British soldiers in Dutch villages had to return to their barracks. A drummer would march through the streets playing a drumbeat. This signal told innkeepers to turn off their beer taps for the night.
The first Nova Scotia Tattoo happened in 1979. But a much earlier event greatly influenced it. This was the Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo in 1967. It was part of Canada's 100th birthday celebrations. This show was the biggest touring performance ever seen in the world at that time. It started in the summer of 1967. The tour visited many cities across Canada. These included Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto. The tour lasted for eight months.
How the Nova Scotia Tattoo Began
An officer named Ian Fraser had experience with Tattoos. He had worked on a show called Soldiers of the Queen in 1959. Because of this, Fraser was asked to produce the 1967 Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo.
After that successful show, Fraser was asked again in 1979 to organize a Tattoo. This was to celebrate a visit by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to Nova Scotia. It was also for the International Gathering of the Clans. This was the first time this gathering happened outside Scotland. Fraser had only six months to organize the entire show.
After its first show in 1979, the government of Nova Scotia decided to make the Tattoo a regular event. It became a permanent tourist attraction. This show grew into an important cultural event. It is now a nine-day production that is a key part of the Halifax area.
In 1988, the show's name was officially changed. It became The Nova Scotia International Tattoo. This change recognized how much the show had grown and become known worldwide.
On May 4, 2006, the Tattoo received a special honor. Queen Elizabeth II gave it the title "Royal." This means it has royal patronage. The announcement was made at Government House in Nova Scotia. Lieutenant-Governor Myra Freeman shared the news.
See also
- List of Canadian organizations with royal patronage
- Monarchy of Canada
- Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands
