Welsh Celebrations
Several important days and occasions are celebrated annually in Wales. Here is information about some of them:
The New Year
Children go from house to house singing ‘Blwyddyn Newydd Dda’ (Happy New Year) in order to get ‘calennig’ (a gift or food or money). The Mari Lwyd, which is a horse skull draped in bells, ruins and coloured ribbons is taken from house to house asking for entry via song.
Saint Dwynwen's Day
It is considered to be equivalent to Valentine's Day. Saint Dwynwen is the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
Welsh Music Day
Welsh Music Day celebrates all types of Welsh Language music.
St. David's Day
Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and is celebrated on March 1st.
Urdd's National Eisteddfod
The Eisteddfod is a competitive festival with over 15,000 children and young people under the age of 25 competing each year in competitions such as singing, dancing and performing. These are the best of around 40,000 competitors throughout Wales who have won their place in the National following the District and Regional Eisteddfods which are held during the spring months before the Eisteddfod.
The National Eisteddfod
The National Eisteddfod is an arts festival, held through the medium of Welsh, which gives a national platform to music, dance, art, original performances, family activities and competitions of all kinds, in a welcoming, fun and unique atmosphere. It continues for a period of 8 full days at the beginning of August. It changes its location every year and visits the north and the south alternately.
The language is core and important to the Eisteddfod, but the festival is much more than a Welsh event - it offers something for everyone of all ages. You don't have to speak Welsh to enjoy what the Eisteddfod has to offer, and the Eisteddfod field is full of activities and events to enjoy.
Owain Glyndwr Day
Owain Glyndŵr was the last Welshman to be called Prince of Wales. He is celebrated on the 16th of September because Owain Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales on the 16th of September, 1400.
Waldo Day
September 30th is a day to remember Waldo Williams - one of Wales' greatest poets. He was born in the town of Haverfordwest on September 30th, 1904.
T. Llew Jones Day
One of the most popular and productive authors of children's books in the Welsh language.
Shwmae Day
A day to promote the idea of starting every conversation in Welsh with Shwmae, Su'mae or Shwdi! The aim of the day is to show that the Welsh language belongs to everyone - fluent speakers, learners or if you are shy about your Welsh.
