Held at 1800 Argyle Street, you’ll find the world’s largest indoor variety show. Held late June-early July, the ten-day event is huge! The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a Military and civilian extravaganza featuring over 2000 International and Canadian performers.
It is presented annually at the Halifax Metro Centre and draws an audience of over 60,000 people during its annual run.
Often referred to as "Canada's best kept secret", the Tattoo offers a unique combination of:
In 1979, men and women from the Navy, Army and Air Force joined their civilian counterparts to present the very first Nova Scotia Tattoo for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Since then, these two communities have stayed together, producing what is now considered one of the best shows in the world. Every year the Tattoo is true in its promise to deliver a variety of the best military and civilian entertainment from around the world.
Since the beginning, participants from 20 countries have brought the Tattoo to life, highlighting the annual theme, "Bond of Friendship." The result is an ever-changing magical display of entertainment for the entire family.
Why is the festival called "Tattoo"? It began as a military "last call." In 17th century Dutch villages, drummers marched through the streets summoning soldiers to return to their quarters from evening gatherings in taverns and inns.
A drumbeat signaling innkeepers to "doe den tap toe" or "turn off the taps," was eventually shortened to "tap toe" and finally to "tattoo." The phrase now heralds the extraordinary entertainment highlighted by marching bands, hundreds of musicians, and military competitions.
