Legend has it that St David, the Patron Saint of Wales, went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was made an Archbishop. These days the pilgrimages on Sunday March 1, St David’s Day, are more modest, mostly of people taking part in town parades. You’ll likely see children dressed in red shawls and black chimney hats, sporting bright green leeks and yellow daffodils turned into all kinds of colourful accessories. St David’s Day is well celebrated in Wales.
Here are just some of the ways you can join in the celebrations:
Cadw Heritage sites (Sunday 1 March): Cadw let people into their sites free of charge on St David’s Day. After you’ve taken in a parade, why not visit a castle? North Wales sites include Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle.
Caernarfon (10am to 11am): There will be a weekend of events with the annual parade to Caernarfon Castle starting from behind Morrisons on the Sunday. Other activities include historical tours, live music, late bar and film and literary events.
Colwyn Bay (Friday 27 February, 10am): The Colwyn Bay St David’s Day Parade is now an established cultural event in its 14th year. Over 800 local schoolchildren dressed in traditional national costume lead the parade through the town. A St David’s Day concert follows at St Paul’s Church with pupils performing a variety of recitals, song and dance.
Pwllheli (Saturday 28 February, 1pm): The highlight of the activities will be Parêd Dewi Sant – a parade around the town starting at The Post Office on the Cob road (Ffordd y Cob). Local Welsh Harlequin ducks will also feature while there will be opportunity to sample Tapas Llyn – spanish tapas with a Welsh twist.
Tremadog (Sunday 1 March, 1pm): Tracksuits and pumps will be the attire of the day in Tremadog as the village hold its annual St David’s Day Fun Run. The races begin at Tremadog’s market square.
