Date
Saturday
Mar

March 1

St. David’s Day

Get ready to honor the patron saint of Wales on St. David's Day - enjoy traditional Welsh dishes, parades, and festivities with friends and family!

Yearly Date
March 1
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get ready to don your leeks and daffodils in celebration of St. David's Day on March 1! This day honors the patron saint of Wales, who is said to have performed miracles and spread Christianity throughout the country during the 6th century. It's a national holiday in Wales and is typically celebrated with parades, traditional Welsh food, and wearing symbols like leeks and daffodils (which are believed to grant good luck). So let's raise our glasses of Welsh ale and toast to this lively holiday!

St. David’s Day Timeline

6th Century
Saint David's Life
Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, is believed to have lived in the 6th century, with his feast day being recorded as early as the 9th century.
1120
Saint David Canonized
Pope Callixtus II canonized David as a Saint. After this, his influence spread far beyond his native land.
1861
First St. David's Day Parade
The first recorded parade for St. David's Day took place in Cardiff in the mid-19th century.
1959
St. David's Day Declared a Public Holiday
St. David's Day was officially declared a public holiday in Wales.
1995
UK Post Office's St. David's Day Tribute
The U.K. post office issued a set of special stamps commemorating St David's Day for the first time.
2003
National Symbols on St. David's Day
The Welsh Government allowed the Welsh flag and other national symbols to be flown on government buildings on March 1.

How to Celebrate St. David’s Day

1

Attend a St. David's Day parade

Check your local community events calendar and attend a St. David's Day parade. Enjoy the colorful floats, traditional Welsh music, and festive atmosphere.

2

Learn about Welsh culture

Take some time to learn about Welsh traditions, folktales, and history on St. David's Day. You can read books, watch documentaries, or visit a local cultural center.

3

Wear a daffodil or leek

The daffodil and leek are both symbols of Wales and are traditionally worn on St. David's Day. Show your support by wearing one of these flowers on March 1st.

4

Cook a traditional Welsh meal

Try your hand at cooking a traditional Welsh dish, such as cawl (stew), Welsh rarebit (cheese on toast), or bara brith (fruit bread). Invite friends and family over to share in the feast.

5

Donate to a Welsh charity

St. David's Day is a great opportunity to give back to the Welsh community. Consider donating to a Welsh charity or volunteering your time to help those in need.

Why St. David’s Day is Important

A

It's the national day of Wales

St. David's Day is a special holiday for Welsh people to celebrate their national heritage and culture. It honors the patron saint of Wales, St. David, and is an important part of their history and traditions.

B

It promotes unity and pride

St. David's Day is an opportunity for Welsh communities to come together and celebrate their shared identity and values. It promotes a sense of unity and pride among its people, fostering a strong sense of community.

C

It showcases Welsh culture and traditions

On St. David's Day, traditional festivities such as parades, concerts, and Eisteddfodau (competitions in music, poetry, and drama) are held across Wales. These events showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of Wales, keeping them alive for future generations to experience.

St. David’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 29
Thursday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday