Traditional Chinese performances steal the show at Edinburgh's Tartan Parade
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, rich in history and distinctive architecture, annually attracts large numbers of international and domestic visitors.
On Saturday May 10, its inaugural Tartan Parade was held in its historic Old Town. Tartan is a cloth associated with Scotland's traditional dress, the kilt, previously worn mainly by men. Today, the kilt is widely featured in ceremonial events like this and Edinburgh's recent "Tartan Parade". The weather, excellent with clear blue skies and pleasant late spring temperatures, was perfect for such an outdoor event.
Edinburgh is twinned with Northwest China's Xi'an. With the parade, that city and indeed China were represented through its internationally renowned Terracotta Warriors. Historic styled clothing representing such warriors was forwarded by the city of Xi'an to reflect mutual friendship while celebrating its 40th Anniversary of twinning with Edinburgh.
Many people, including myself, were wearing colorful tartan ties symbolizing friendship between China and Scotland. It was designed in 2006, inspired by China's former consul general in Scotland, Madame Guo Guifang.
The Chinese contribution to the parade was organized through the Association of China Entrepreneurs in Scotland. Its chairman, Edward Tsang, has been very active in promoting Chinese events within the city such as during the Spring Festival. I appreciated attending it as it brought back many positive memories of China.
Before the parade started, the Chinese group gathered within the courtyard of Edinburgh's City Chambers (Town Hall). It lay close to where the walk would start on historic High Street, also known as "The Royal Mile". It runs along a hill from the castle toward Holyrood Palace. The courtyard provided a spacious area to assemble along with rehearsal space for the Lion and Dragon performers.
Lord Provost (Mayor) of Edinburgh. Robert Aldridge. and Consul General of PR China in Scotland, Zhang Biao, were there. They initiated the traditional walking of the Scottish Chinese Lions and Dragons, themed in Tartan, onto the parade.
The parade was made up of several different groups mostly from Scotland, including representatives of other countries and cities such as New York. The latter recently hosted a "Tartan Parade". It was certainly very scenic event particularly with that stunning background of historic Edinburgh.
Heading up the Royal Mile, past St Giles Cathedral, the group was going a short distance to an assembly point from where the main parade would start. Other groups gathering there included Scottish bagpipe bands and even some characters dressed historically as warriors. Many were wearing kilts, making it all very colorful, indeed friendly gathering. Roads led northwards downhill, which the parade followed, a quite steep descent away from the Royal Mile. Historic buildings rising on both sides of the cobblestone road make it indeed very scenic. At the bottom, an open-topped tour bus was parked. Onboard, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, with some companions, was waving to the passing groups.
Finally, at the spacious Gardens the walk ended after a really excellent parade through one of Europe's most attractive cities. What made this particular parade special for me was the participation of the Chinese contribution, together with Scottish participants and some from overseas.
It was quite a personal experience to walk along the route, lined by large crowds watching and cheering as each group passed. So much reflecting our friendship. Indeed a really great day in Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city and its long relationship with China.
Bruce Connolly is a photographer and writer from Scotland who has lived in China for over 30 years. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
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