The Kick-Off to Summer in Halifax

By Linda Tancs

Viewed as the kick-off to summer, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a global entertainment event in Halifax. The word “tattoo” is derived from “doe den tap toe,” a drumbeat played in the 17th century to call British soldiers back to the barracks in their Dutch villages. Over time, the phrase was shortened to “tap toe,” then anglicized to “tattoo” and adopted as a term for a military musical show. The Halifax event features marching bands, acrobats, dancers, military displays and pipes and drums. This year’s event runs from June 27 to July 1.