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ST DAVID: A BRIEF HISTORY
St David was the greatest figure in the 6th century Welsh Age of Saints, founder of scores of religious communities, and the only native-born patron saint of the countries of Britain and Ireland.
Most of what we know about St David was written by the 11th century scholar Rhygyfarch. He tells us that St David was born in Pembrokeshire around the year 500, the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion. He became a renowned preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and England – including, possibly, the abbey at Glastonbury.
He’s said to have made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he became an archbishop, and established a strict religious community in what is now St Davids in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. He was famed for his pious austerity – he lived on leeks and water, apparently – and his ability to perform miracles. Once, while preaching at Llandewi Brefi, he caused the ground to rise up beneath his feet so that everyone could hear his sermon.
St David died on 1 March – St David’s Day – in 589. He was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and we have celebrated St David’s Day ever since.
(visitwales.com)
HOW TO SPEND YOUR SAINT DAVID’S DAY
St David's Day Sessions - Presented by Cardiff Music City
Fun Filled Celebrations at y Senedd
Saturday 28 February & Sunday 1 March, 10.30am – 4pm / y Senedd & Pierhead / Some Ticketed Activities
The Senedd and Pierhead Building will host a free two‑day St David’s Day celebration offering a packed programme of culture, creativity and community activities for all ages. Enjoy hands‑on workshops including love‑spoon crafting, circus skills, seed planting, sand art and science activities, alongside performances from Welsh choirs, inclusive dance groups and music ensembles. Experience a new ‘Mewn Cymeriad / In Character’ theatre production, take part in ‘Understand Your Vote’ election sessions, join Senedd tours, and get involved in a Welsh‑language litter pick. Sunday also features a scenic morning yoga session overlooking Cardiff Bay.
St David’s Day at The Docks
Sunday 1 March, All Day / Book a Table to Avoid Disappointment
Enjoy performances that bring much‑loved Welsh classics to life in a vibrant waterfront setting while you tuck into traditional favourites such as comforting lamb cawl. Gather family and friends for Sunday lunch “the Welsh way,” showcasing the finest homegrown ingredients, and explore a proudly Welsh drinks selection featuring local ales, spirits, and refreshing regional favourites. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and stunning backdrop, it’s the perfect place to relax, dine, and immerse yourself in the very best of Welsh culture — come for the music and stay for the food.
Free Live Music at National Museum Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, 2:30pm – 3:30pm / Gallery 4 / Ticketed
There’s nothing more Welsh than song… Enjoy a free St. David’s Day performance from The Gentle Good, winner of the Welsh Music Prize and one of Wales’s most loved modern folk artists.
The Welsh Tales Trail
Sunday 1 March, 11:30am – 3:30pm / Start: near Guest Services on Upper Level St David’s Dewi Sant. End Location: National Museum Cardiff / Drop In
A magical walk-through old Welsh legends. Set off on a family-friendly adventure through the city, collecting stories from Wales’s most famous folk tales. Immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and Welsh history for a few hours. Complete the trail to enter a prize draw. Perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike!
Dexter the Dragon at St David’s Dewi Sant
Dates coming soon / St. David’s Dewi Sant / Drop In
Dexter is getting ready to bring plenty of Welsh cheer to Cardiff this St David’s Day. With his wings polished and his fire breathing finely tuned, Dexter is looking forward to a special visit. Visitors can expect fun photo opportunities, friendly waves, and plenty of dragon‑themed excitement as Dexter spreads St David’s Day spirit throughout the centre.
FOR Families Fun
Sunday 1 March, 11am-4pm / Activities below / St David’s Dewi Sant
- Arts and craft activities, 11:30am-3:30pm
- Face Painting, 11:30am + 1:30pm
- Story Time, 12:30pm + 2:30pm
- Welsh for Adults sessions
Free activities for children and parents at the FOR Families play area in St. David’s Dewi Sant. Bring the family along for a relaxed, bilingual play space packed with fun
ACTIVITIES AT ST DAVID’S DEWI SANT
Sunday 1 March, 12pm – 4pm / St David’s Dewi Sant / Drop In
St David’s Dewi Sant will host a lively programme of St David’s Day activities, offering families and visitors the chance to enjoy Welsh culture throughout the day. Parents can take part in friendly, introductory Welsh lessons, while local school choirs will deliver uplifting performances. Traditional Welsh stepping—similar in style to clog dancing—will bring rhythmic, energetic entertainment to the space, and younger visitors can get involved with hands‑on arts and crafts sessions or enjoy festive face painting.
St David’s Day Run at Bute Park
Sunday 1 March, 9am – 4pm / Bute Park / Ticketed
Celebrating Mansel Thomas
Sunday 1 March, 3pm / Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama / Ticketed
Centred around the music of Mansel Thomas, his contemporaries and his influence on Welsh musical life, the College’s music department present an afternoon of Welsh music to celebrate the cultural life of our musical nation.
Workshops & Music at Insole Court
Sunday 1 March, 9:30am – 4:30pm / Insole Court / Free & Paid Activities
This celebration offers a vibrant and inclusive programme honouring Welsh identity, heritage, and creativity within a historic community space. Free to attend with some paid activities, the event features an art exhibition and sale in partnership with Beth Morris Workshops, showcasing emerging artists and textile works exploring memory and place, alongside bookable cross‑generational craft workshops using Welsh wool. Visitors can enjoy a marketplace of local artisans, live music presented with Primo Music School and the Insole Court Community Choir, and a themed menu of traditional Welsh food from the Potting Shed Café.
Get Creative at Wales Millennium Centre
Sunday 1 March, 1pm – 6pm / Wales Millennium Centre / Drop In
An all‑day community event will showcase the very best of Welsh culture and creativity. From family-friendly arts and crafts and lively twmpath dancing, to live performances, stalls, and the irresistible smell of fresh Welsh cakes, the celebration offers something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy Welsh language taster sessions, explore a vibrant art exhibition, and sample delicious food throughout the afternoon. With fully bilingual hosts, activities, and entertainment, the event promises a warm welcome to all as the community comes together to mark Wales’ national day.
Celebrate St David’s Day by doing and sharing Random Acts of Welshness
St David’s Day — the day we celebrate our patron saint and all things Welsh. When we remember his famous guiding words: gwnewch y pethau bychain — do the little things. What better way to celebrate than to bring those words to life with an outpouring of hwyl and kindness.
A Flavour of Wales
What better place to taste the dishes that Wales has to offer than right here in the capital. We’ve compiled a selection of handpicked restaurants and eating establishments using quality Welsh produce… and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Welsh specialities such as Chicken and leek pie, Welsh breakfasts with cockles and laverbread, Glamorgan sausages, bara brith and freshly baked warm Welsh cakes.
Cook up your own unique taste of Wales
If you’re planning on staying in for St David’s Day, then why not make yourself and those who are close to you a traditional Welsh dish. For dessert, it has to be a batch of traditional Welshcakes, baked on a bakestone for that added authenticity or made modern with chocolate chips or lemon curd replacing the classic raisin filling. Another great alternative is bara brith, and for the signature dish it has be a hearty cawl, served up with a some freshly baked bread and a big chunk of Caerphilly or Cheddar cheese.
