About The Okanagan Military Tattoo Society
Our goal is to produce and present a world-class international cultural event that will stimulate Canadian patriotism, educate youth, recognize our debt to Canada’s Armed Forces and the RCMP, attract tourism to Vernon and the North Okanagan and enhance the commercial position of our sponsors and patrons.
The Okanagan Military Tattoo Society enriches arts and culture in Greater Vernon through diverse events and initiatives. Our Premiere Film Night and musical fundraisers showcase local talents. However, our signature event is the world-class Tattoo, featuring over 20 performing arts groups (around 500 performers). This spectacular celebration provides a platform to educate youth on Canadian heritage while reigniting patriotism. By bringing the arts community together, we create vibrancy, increase visibility, and keep cherished traditions thriving through engaging, modern productions.
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TWO KINDS OF TATTOOS!
Did you know, The Okanagan is home to two kinds of tattoos?
One is the Okanagan Tattoo and Brewfest, which takes place in Kelowna, just a week before our show (we know, it’s confusing!). The other is our Okanagan Military Tattoo. A musical performance extravaganza featuring hundreds of dancers, drums, bands, bagpipes and kilts – all on a single stage.
Musical tattoos actually started as a demonstration of military drumming, piping and other skills. It’s called a ‘tattoo’ because when the British Army was fighting in what is now Belgium 300 years ago, drummers were sent into the town each night to call the soldiers in from the pubs. The drummers continued to play until the curfew at 22:00. The word Doe den tap toe, is Dutch for ‘Turn off the tap’.
Subsequently, the expression evolved to ‘tap-too’, after that ‘tattoo’.
Tattoo: an exhilarating showcase of military bands, choirs and skills as well as the sounds and dances of today’s finest performers from around the world.
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INSPIRATIONS BEHIND THE CREATION OF THE OKANAGAN MILITARY TATTOO
Pay tribute to the valley’s military past and music.
Vernon is home to an expansive Department of National Defence facility. Over the past 100 years, tens of thousands of members of the armed forces and army cadets have trained there. Today, many Canadian veterans have retired in the sunny Okanagan. Therefore, keeping the traditions of military drumming and piping alive.
Unite cultures and generations to celebrate our music and dance together.
We all benefit from the chance to be exposed to the arts and traditions of our neighbours and forefathers. In addition to fostering relationships, we hope to inspire future generations of musicians and dancers to keep our arts alive into the future.
Showcase the Okanagan’s talent and traditions.
We’re becoming the place where people go to experience traditional arts and we’re helping define Vernon’s musical and multi-cultural identity.
Boost tourism and the economy.
When hundreds of performers and thousands of audience members visit Vernon to take in the Okanagan Military Tattoo each year, they enjoy our musical extravaganza. In addition, they discover all of the area’s attractions and amenities.
