The original meaning of military tattoo traces its roots to a military drum performance. It dates back to the 17th century when the British Army was fighting in the Low Countries of Belgium and The Netherlands. Drummers from the barracks were sent out into the towns at 9:30PM each evening to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to the barracks.  This parade through town was known as doe den tap toe – which is Dutch for "turn off the tap".  In other words the military was instructing the innkeepers to stop serving beer and to send the soldiers home for the night. The drummers continued to play through the towns until the curfew at 10:00PM.

Over the years, Military Tattoo’s have became more of a show with bands and shows conducted under the lights. 

The Dunedin Military Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, bagpipe bands, brass bands, highland dancers and more.