Kilts, kids and canines flooded the streets of Old Town Alexandria in Virginia on Saturday afternoon, as the city celebrated its 53rd annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
The event honors the city’s 1749 founding by Scottish merchants, including its namesake — Scotsman John Alexander, who owned the land that eventually became Alexandria.
“The ancient Scottish families were called ‘clans,’ and so to commemorate Christmas every year and to celebrate our Scottish heritage, we participate in this annual walk,” Madeline Young-Black, who marched to represent the Young clan, told WTOP.
One member of the Morrison clan, another participating family, said the parade is “a great chance for those of us with Scottish and Celtic heritage” to celebrate their backgrounds.
For the event, Mr. Morrison donned a kilt. How did the traditional garb feel in Saturday’s chilly weather? “It feels great,” he told WTOP.
Longtime attendees and newcomers alike enjoyed the festivities. “This is my first year and I think it’s been great so far,” said Rowan, one of many children who attended with her family. Her favorite part? The candy.
Another parade viewer, Carolyn, watched the marchers stroll past with her husband Liam and two kids. “We love seeing the parade and all of the Scottish ancestry marching along,” she said.
