≡1 March is St David's Day
1 March is St David's Day and celebrates Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. The day is of great importance to the Welsh people and to Welsh culture, and is a time of national pride and celebration of the country's traditions, language and history.
Saint David was a 6th century monk and preacher, known for his austere life and his contributions to Christianity in Wales. He founded several monasteries and was a defender of the Christian faith, and is remembered for his work in preserving Welsh religious traditions.
On St David's Day, a variety of celebrations and events take place in Wales and in Welsh communities around the world. Festivities include parades, cultural performances, folk dancing, choir competitions and even traditional feasts, where typical Welsh dishes such as cawl (a meat and vegetable soup) are served. It is also common for people to use daffodils (the Welsh national flower) or the leek, another Welsh national symbol, as part of the celebrations.
In addition, Saint David's Day is also a time to reflect on the cultural and linguistic heritage of Wales, particularly by encouraging the use of the Welsh language, which remains an important part of the national identity.
Did you know??
