Every August, Edinburgh turns into festival city, and one of the most popular festive celebrations is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Annually, over 200, 000 people visit the Tattoo, set on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, to show their support for one of the most well-known and historic of Edinburgh's Festivals.
The Edinburgh Tattoo officially began in 1950, with only eight events on the programme. However, the tradition of the tattoo has its roots in the seventeenth century, when British Army units were stationed in the Low Countries of Scotland. Drummers from each garrison were sent into towns every evening to summon the soldiers of the army to return to their barracks, in a ritual that was known as 'Doe den tap toe' (or simply 'tap toe').
