Saint David's Day

Summary

When? 1 March
Where? Wales
How? People wear a daffodil (St. David's symbol), little boys and girls wear traditional Welsh costumes. People go to church, attend parades and enjoy other festivities.

History

On 1 March Welsh people celebrate the life of their patron saint, St David, and Welsh culture in general.

St David is mainly known for founding churches and monasteries in Wales. He also became an archbishop. He died on 1 March 589 and ever since people have been going on pilgrimage to St Davids Cathedral.

On this holiday many people go to church, they go to a see a choir, go to readings of Welsh literature or attend parades. The biggest parade in honour of St David takes place in Cardiff.

The Welsh flag, a white and green one with a big red dragon in the middle, can be seen everywhere on that day.

Many people pin a daffodil or a leek to their clothes, because these are the symbols of Wales. The children, on the other hand, often wear traditional costumes on St David's Day.