From bagpipe and drumming competitions to sheep dog trials to athletics (stone throwing!), the annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista is a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture. Bring your clan and enjoy the food, entertainment and festivities, Saturday and Sunday, June 25 & 26.
According to the Highland Games website, when celebrating in times of peace one of the Highlanders' favorite pastimes was the tainchel. For these "great hunts" very often several clans would combine. Chieftains would send word to the clansmen that such an event was planned and when and where they should assemble.
After a successful hunt a great feast and celebration would be held. Then the rival clansmen would test each other's prowess at various sports - running, jumping, wrestling, or primitive forms of weight putting with stones, or divided into roughly equal sides vying against each other in a very early form of camanachd or shinty. Lastly the clansmen would vie with each other in piping and in dancing.
The San Diego Scottish Highland Games carries on the tradition of the ancient games. Tickets are $14 for adults per day. For more details about the San Diego Scottish Highland Games, visit the official Website.
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