Tartan Day is observed in Australia and New Zealand every July 1, celebrating Scottish heritage among citizens of Scottish descent. The holiday commemorates the repeal of the Act of Proscription in 1782, which had made wearing tartan illegal in Scotland. Initiated by the Scottish Australian Heritage Council in 1989, Tartan Day encourages individuals to reconnect with their ancestry by wearing tartan. Typical customs include organizing private clan events featuring Highland dancing, reciting poetry by Robert Burns, and enjoying haggis, Scotland's national dish. The day serves as a reminder of the cultural traditions that many Scots assimilated away from after migrating to these countries.