Follow us:
  • YouTube
  • Flickr
St Davids Day Banner 2011 - 2

St David & St David's Day

On 1 March each year we celebrate our patron Saint, Dewi Sant or St David who died on that day in 589AD. To mark the day, Welsh people around the world wear one or both of our national emblems - a daffodil or leek - and celebrate at special concerts and processions.

We don’t know an awful lot about him for certain. What we do known is based on an account of his life written in Latin by Rhigfarch towards the end of the 11th century.

Dewi was educated in Cardiganshire and then went on pilgrimages, founding religious centres across Wales and England, including one at Glastonbury. He even travelled as far as Jerusalem where he was made an archbishop.

He eventually settled at Glyn Rhosyn (now St David's), in South West Wales, where he established a religious community. Many miracles have been attributed to him, the most incredible being when he caused the ground to rise beneath him when preaching so that everyone could see and hear him.

When David died he told his devoted followers to: "Be cheerful and keep your faith and belief, and do the little things that you have heard and seen through me."

St David's Cathedral

Great Little Trains of Wales

The Cathedral of St David's in Pembrokeshire, where his remains are buried, became a popular place of pilgrimage. It was said that two pilgrimages to St David's equalled one to Rome and three equalled one to Jerusalem.

Things to do this St David's Day

Cardiff Parade - Featured in the clip to the left, the annual St David's Day parade, one of the most colourful and fun events to come to Cardiff in recent years.

Museum - Looking to explore the history of St David's day? Then St Fagan's, National Slate Museum and National Wool Museum will all be celebrating by holding events today.

Gardens - The National Botanic Garden of Wales is FREE to get into on March the first. Make the most of this offer!

For more events around the world, see our blog.

Facebook Facepainting

We had to call it a day when we reached 1,000 requests for face painting the Welsh flag onto profile pictures. Take a look at the Gallery on our Facebook page to see the first of the finished items.

There's more to follow, but if you are one of the lucky ones to have your face painted set it as your profile pic and comment on the image.

St David's Day Twibbon

Are you on Twitter? Following @visitwales? Use the #stdavidsday hashtag in your twitter updates, we would love to see this trending.

There's also an official Welsh Assembly Government St David's Day twibbon you can add to your Twitter account profile photo.

 

Win Amlin Challenge Cup &
Heineken Cup Final Tickets

Amlin Challenge Cup Final & Heineken Cup Final 2011 Prize Draw

Enter to win a pair of tickets to both cup finals as well as 2 nights accomodation in a luxury apartment!