Scottish Pipe Band Association of South America
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The Scottish Pipe Band Association of South America (SPBASA), is a continental pipe band association currently comprising bands from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. It approved its first constitution on December 20, 2003, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and was officially inaugurated on April 17, 2004, at the First South American Pipe Band Gathering in Montevideo, Uruguay. The comparatively low number of pipe bands and the number of countries encompassed are the principal reasons behind this pipe band association being so unique.
SPBASA liaises with multiple organizations, such as the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations (ANAPBA), the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the Pan American Piobaireachd Society, local St. Andrew's Societies, local British associations, and others.
Association members can be full or associated, the former having the right to vote.
- Bariloche Highlanders Pipe Band
- Highland Thistle Pipe Band
- South American Piping Association Pipe Band
- Brasil Caledonia Pipe Band
- St. Andrew's Society of São Paulo Pipes and Drums
- Andes Highlanders Pipe Band
- Chilean Highlands Pipes and Drums
- City of Montevideo Pipe Band
- Riverside Pipe Band
Associated members
Pipe Band Gatherings
The South American Pipe Band Gatherings have been the Association's most iconic and comprehensive events. These Gatherings, hosted by member pipe bands themselves on a rotational basis, occur approximately, every two years. The first, organised by Riverside Pipe Band, took place in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2004. Gatherings are typically opened by a Massed Bands Parade along a major city avenue, including all participating pipe bands and guests. The Gatherings have hosted pipe band shows, pipe band competitions and soloist competitions. Piping, drumming and highland dancing celebrities have been invited to each Gathering as instructors and competition adjudicators.
The updated schedule of past and future Gatherings is published on the SPBASA website.