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International Bagpipe Day

A cultural observance on March 10 celebrating the diversity of bagpipes and piping traditions across more than 130 varieties played worldwide.

Wednesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 10

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYMusic

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Andy Letcher and Cassandre Balosso-Bardin

FIRST OBSERVED

2012

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Andy Letcher of the Bagpipe Society and Cassandre Balosso-Bardin of the International Bagpipe Organisation co-founded the observance in 2012, launching it at the First International Bagpipe Conference at SOAS in London on March 9-10, 2012, to promote the diversity of bagpiping worldwide.

Institutional Recordvia internationalbagpipeorganisation.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

March 10 is the perfect day to celebrate International Bagpipe Day! This special holiday commemorates the centuries-old instrument, which has been around since at least the 16th century. Bagpipes have a rich history, having been played in cultures all around the world for hundreds of years. Today, bagpipes are still used in traditional music and are appreciated by many people across different countries.

TIMELINE

International Bagpipe Day Timeline

Early Bagpipe History

Bagpipes became part of Scottish musical tradition in the 16th century, though they originated in the Middle East.

Battle of Culloden

Bagpipers played a significant role during the Battle of Culloden, with the instrument becoming a symbol of Scottish rebellion.

Great Highland Bagpipe

Great Highland Bagpipe, the most recognized form of the instrument, solidified its role in the British military throughout the 19th century.

Pipers' Trail

Pipers' Trail, a gathering of bagpipers from around the world, started at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

First International Bagpipe Day

The Bagpipe Society started the tradition of International Bagpipe Day to celebrate and promote the instrument globally.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Bagpipe Day

Organize a parade

Organize a parade with bagpipe players and have everyone marching down the streets, playing their bagpipes. Have people in the parade wearing traditional Scottish attire and waving Scottish flags.

HOST

Host a bagpipe concert

Host a bagpipe concert and invite your friends and family to come listen to bagpipe players. Have refreshments such as scones, shortbread, and haggis.

MAKE

Make a music video

Create a music video with your friends and family playing the bagpipes. Put it on YouTube and spread the word about International Bagpipe Day.

LEARN

Learn to play the bagpipes

Take some lessons from a bagpipe player and learn to play the instrument on International Bagpipe Day. You can join others in celebration by playing the bagpipes.

ENJOY

Enjoy traditional Scottish food

Cook up some traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis, Scotch eggs, bridies, neeps and tatties, or Cullen skink to celebrate International Bagpipe Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Bagpipe Day

Bagpipes honor tradition

The bagpipe has been used for thousands of years by different cultures around the world as a symbol of pride and tradition. Celebrating International Bagpipe Day not only acknowledges this amazing instrument, but honors its rich history as well.

Bagpipes have a unique sound

The sounds of the bagpipes are unmistakable and can bring a distinct sense of pride and identity to any gathering. The complex combinations of notes create a mesmerizing melody that can transport you to another world!

Bagpipe music is uplifting

Bagpipe music has a way of lifting the spirit and bringing people together in celebration. Whether it's attending a live performance or simply listening to recordings, bagpipe music is sure to brighten your day!

Related holidays

MON

Jul 2026

Hobbies

Bagpipe Appreciation Day

Get ready to hear the hauntingly beautiful sounds of bagpipes on Bagpipe Appreciation Day - a day dedicated to honoring this iconic instrument!

St. Andrew’s Day

Get ready to celebrate St. Andrew's Day with bagpipes, kilts, and plenty of haggis! Don't miss out on this Scottish holiday full of tradition and fun.

Burns Night

Get ready to honor the life and works of Scottish poet Robert Burns on Burns Night! From haggis to bagpipes, it's a celebration you won't want to miss.