St David's Day on 1 March is the national day of Wales, a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, history and community spirit. Though it's not a UK bank holiday, daffodils bloom in every buttonhole, leeks adorn every lapel, and towns from Cardiff to Caernarfon burst into song, dance and feast to honor their patron saint.
Who Was Saint David?
Saint David (Dewi Sant) was a 6th-century bishop who founded monastic settlements across southwest Wales. Renowned for his piety, preaching and simple lifestyle, he became a symbol of Welsh identity and spiritual resilience. In 1120, Pope Callixtus II declared him patron saint of Wales, and each year on 1 March Welsh people remember his legacy of faith, learning and community.
Traditional Symbols & Customs
- Daffodil & leek: Worn with pride as emblems of Wales—daffodils for spring's arrival, leeks for historic battles.
- Eisteddfodau: Competitive festivals of poetry, singing and harp-playing held in schools and community halls.
- Bara brith & cawl: Spiced tea loaf and hearty lamb stew served at community feasts (“gymanfa bwyta”).
- Red, green & white: Welsh flags fly from castles and homes; landmarks light up in national colors.
Modern Revival & Community Festivals
In recent decades grassroots campaigns have reinvigorated St David's Day across Wales and in Welsh communities worldwide:
- School concerts: Children recite Welsh poetry and perform folk dances.
- City parades: Cardiff's streets fill with dragon banners, brass bands and street food stalls.
- Castle illuminations: Historic sites—Caernarfon, Cardiff, Conwy—glow in red, green and white after dusk.
- Community meals: Village halls host shared cawl lunches and bara brith tea-times.
Top 5 Ways to Celebrate in Wales
- Attend an eisteddfod: Experience live Welsh choir competitions in your local town hall.
- Visit Cardiff Castle: Join the city's official parade, then explore medieval walls draped in national colors.
- Cook a Welsh feast: Make cawl, Welsh cakes and bara brith at home with family and friends.
- Wear the symbols: Pin a fresh daffodil or leek—and share photos on social media with #StDavidsDay.
- Learn a Welsh phrase: Greet friends with “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!” (Happy St David's Day).
FAQs
Is St David's Day a bank holiday?
No—schools and businesses usually remain open, though many staff wear daffodils and leeks.
Why do we wear leeks?
Legend says Saint David advised Welsh soldiers to wear leeks in battle for recognition—today they symbolize national pride.
Can visitors join celebrations?
Absolutely—festival events in Cardiff, Swansea and smaller towns welcome everyone to join parades, concerts and feasts.