Saint David's Day Countdown 2025
Saint David's Day - March 1st
Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year. It is a day when Welsh people around the world celebrate their culture and heritage.
Who was Saint David?
Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant) lived in the 6th century and is regarded as one of the most important figures in Welsh Christianity. He founded a monastic settlement in what is now St Davids in Pembrokeshire. Many miracles are attributed to him, and he is known for his piety and teachings.
Welsh Traditions on Saint David's Day
- Wearing National Emblems: People often wear one or both of the national emblems of Wales: the daffodil (cenhinen Pedr) and the leek (cenhinen).
- Wearing Traditional Costume: Children often wear traditional Welsh costumes to school, which may include a tall black hat and shawl for girls.
- Parades: Many towns and cities in Wales hold parades to celebrate the day.
- Eisteddfodau: Schools and communities often hold Eisteddfodau, festivals of Welsh music, literature, and performing arts.
- Eating Traditional Food: Traditional Welsh foods such as Welsh cakes (pice ar y maen), bara brith (fruit loaf), and cawl (Welsh soup or stew) are often enjoyed.