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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
The National St David’s Day Parade
The St David’s Day Parade for 2025 will set off at 12:30 on Friday 1 March from Boulevard de Nantes at the end of King Edward VII Drive, assembly begins from 12:00 midday.
Celebrate St David’s Day at the Senedd
A day of celebration with a programme of performances, workshops and activities – there’s something for everyone! Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Welsh choirs, harp recitals and traditional folk dancing. Unleash your creativity at one of our crafting, poetry or music workshops, or learn to juggle at a Circus Skills session. Take a taster Welsh language session or practice in our ‘Clonc Cyflym’ event. Enjoy a free Welsh cake with any hot drink purchased at our café in a special St David’s Day promotion.
Listen to a Brass Band performance
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Brass Band under the baton of Dr Robert Childs are celebrating our patron saint with a programme of Celtic music. The programme includes favourites such as ‘Sosban Fach’ and ‘Men of Harlech’ as well as soloists from within the band and substantial works from the pens of Karl Jenkins, Daniel Hall and Peter Graham. The evening promises to be entertaining and patriotic.
A true taste of Wales with Croeso Pubs!
From 1st-7th March 2025, all of Croeso Pubs’ Cardiff-based venues will be dishing up special offers on delicious Welsh food and drinks. Enjoy 20% off Welsh dishes at Daffodil, Blue Bell (both city centre), The Dock (Cardiff Bay) and The Discovery (near Roath Park), such as lamb cawl, and cockles, bacon and laverbread. While Retro (city centre) shakes things up with Gavin & Stacey-themed cocktails and free entry for all Dais, Daves, and Davids on St David’s Day itself.
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.
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.
