Welcome to the NYCTW Mòd
New York City Tartan Week is excited to host its fourth NYCTW Mòd. This prestigious event is a celebration of Gaelic language and song, through exciting competitions and workshops. Participants from across North America and beyond are invited to get involved in this inspiring day of music and friendship, which will take place on Friday April 10, 2026 at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side on Madison Avenue at 73rd Street
Scottish Gaelic language and song workshops will be offered in the morning, with our competitive events happening in the afternoon. All are welcome - full details to be found below.
The first prize winner of the competitions will be asked to take part in press and promotion following the event. They will also receive the following:
Solo Singing Competition: The winner will be crowned 2026 New York City Tartan Week Mòd Champion and win a prize of $125, sponsored by the New York Caledonian Club. They will also receive an invitation to sing at the Pre-Parade Ceilidh and at Bryant Park the morning of the parade.
Poetry Recitation Competition: The winner of this competition will receive a 12 month subscription to WeeBox, sponsored by WeeBox.
Vocal Harmony Competition: The winner of this competition win a prize of $125, sponsored by the New York Caledonian Club. They will also receive an invitation to perform at the Pre-Parade Ceilidh and at Bryant Park before the parade, with Joy Dunlop.
The world may end, but love and music will endure.
The world may end, but love and music will endure.
At its core, a Mòd is a celebration of Gaelic arts, encompassing music, song, poetry, and drama. Participants, ranging from choirs and musicians to solo performers, engage in friendly competition, showcasing their talents and celebrating the beauty of the Gaelic language. The Mòd serves as a vibrant stage for the community to come together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in Gaelic heritage.
The term “Mòd” translates to “a gathering” in Gaelic, and its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century in Scotland. The inaugural Mòd was held in Oban in 1892 and has since evolved into an annual celebration that has left an indelible mark on Gaelic culture.
The NYC Tartan Week Mòd, in collaboration with An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach, is a significant cultural bridge that extends the spirit of a Mòd to the heart of New York City. By hosting this celebration, the goal is not only to showcase the beauty of Scottish Gaelic arts but also to inspire a new wave of interest in Gaelic learning and foster connections within the global Gaelic community.
by Mòd Gold Medalists from Scotland
To support those new to our Gaelic language and heritage, we have selected 6 popular traditional songs that would be suitable to perform. Links to learning support materials for these are provided opposite:—>
For those new to Gaelic poetry, here are a selection of links to poems that would be suitable for our recitation competition:
Scottish Poetry Library (Gaelic collections)
Scottish Poetry Library (Gaelic poets)
Vocal harmony groups new to Gaelic songs are advised to purchase the Red “Ceòl nan Còisir” Book, produced by the Association of Gaelic Choirs. Please send an email to Kathleen Dick with the subject “Red Choral Book”.
Competitors also have the option to select their own Gaelic song to perform. To do this,they must provide us with the sheet music, Gaelic lyrics and an English translation via email when submitting the application for the 2026 NYC Tartan Week Mòd
You must read the rules HERE
Closing date for entries is Friday 06 March, 2026.
As part of the 2026 event, we are also holding Gaelic language and song workshops for avid lovers of Scottish culture. These are open to anyone and provide the opportunity to learn some basic Gaelic language and songs.
There is also the possibility to provide a more advanced Conversational Class, depending on interest/level of participants.
If you are interested in competing at, or attending our Mòd, you may wish to check out our Gaelic workshops that morning
10AM | Conversational Gaelic (no experience needed)
11AM | Gaelic Song
12PM | Lunch
1PM | NYC Tartan Week Mòd (Solo Singing competition | Poetry recitation competition | Vocal harmony competition)
4PM | Informal Cèilidh – all welcome
Spectators welcome from 12.40pm to attend the NYCTW Mòd 2026. No cost.
