Saint David's Day: Home and Abroad
How the World Will Celebrate this Saint's Day on March 1st
How St. David and Welsh history in general reaches across the world, ensuring events of all shapes and sizes take place on St. David's Day.
For some, St. David's Day might be little more than posters, cards and flags in shop windows, or the local pub, but for a growing number of people across the world, it is an important event. An event that celebrates links with Welsh History, and the life of its Patron Saint.
St. David's Day in Wales
Wales, is of course at the heart of St. David's Day celebrations with events taking place all over the country, but Cardiff is said by many as "the place to be". The streets will be alive with colour as the annual parade weaves its way through the city. Floats, national costume, and many daffodils and leeks will add to the traditional feel of this event.
The festivities will no doubt continue long in to the evening at St. David's Hall too. A special concert will not only celebrate Saint David's Day, but also 25 years of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
The smallest city in the U.K and the only city to lie entirely in a national park , it seems an unlikely place for Pilgrims, but many still flock there to see the grave of St. David. He was born in the city, which was later named after him, and his grave now lies in the Cathedral. Along with visiting the grave, visitors can also enjoy a special market, and blessing by the Bishop of St. David's.
This beautiful island in North Wales is getting reading to rock on St. David's Day. They will be playing host to a special concert headlined by Cerys Matthews, the Welsh rock singer, more recently seen in the Im a Celebrity Jungle. Openly proud of her Welsh heritage, it's no surprise that press material for the event states that Cerys is excited to be performing. "I am thrilled to be celebrating my homecoming with a huge show in Anglesey on St. David's Day. Join us March 1st to celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales with some new and old, original and crazy-hoe-down versions of my favourite songs."
St. David's Day Abroad
With the second highest number of visitors to Disneyland Paris coming from the U.K each year, the park has been recognising, and celebrating some important British festivals, including St. David's Day. Their St. David's Welsh Fesitval is running from 29 February until March 2nd and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The main theme of the event is appropriately; Wales: The Land of Song with Male Voice Choirs from across Wales sending their voices soaring over Cinderella's Castle. The Disney Village will also be showcasing up-and-coming Welsh bands who will provide a lively backdrop to a Welsh Food and Craft market. Naturally Mickey and Minnie will be getting in on the action dressing up in national costume, and sending up a flurry of white, red, and green fireworks, in a stunning finale to the festival. It's the perfect way to experience Disney, and all that is good about Welsh culture.
The Welsh assembly have a growing presence in New York, promoting cultural tourism links between the two countries. One of the main events they are involved in is 'Wales Week' an annual festival of art, writing and performance held around St. David's Day. Also in the city visitors can enjoy the splendor of the Empire State Building, lit up for the occasion in traditional Welsh colours.
Other smaller scale events, such as lunches, dinner, and concerts are often put on by Welsh communities, or British Embassies all over the world.
While this celebration may not, as yet, rival that of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, it will nevertheless be an important event. As the Welsh would say Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapos, or Happy Saint David's Day.
For further reading try The Story of Saint David by Sian Lewis.
