Happy St David’s Day!
Traditionally known as the “feast day of Saint David”, March 1st has been a day of celebration in Wales since the 12th century. Today, as well as remembering St David and his achievements, it’s a day to honour Wales as a whole and everything that makes our culture so vibrant.
One of the most beloved favourites is cawl — a warming lamb and vegetable broth often served with fresh bread and a generous helping of cheese. It’s a true taste of Welsh comfort cooking, and while it’s a classic for March 1st, we happily recommend enjoying it all year round.
The red dragon is more than a striking symbol. It carries a legend of conflict, courage and survival. Long ago, the tale tells of two dragons — red and white — whose fierce battles shook the land. Peace only returned when the dragons were finally laid to rest beneath the mountain, and later, when the red dragon rose again to defeat the invading white one.
For our celebration, an artist crafted this magnificent dragon puppet as a living piece of storytelling. It was a moving artwork rooted in ancient myth, carried by the community, and shared with new generations.
Across the country, communities come together to honour our language, music, stories, and Welsh identity in creative and inspiring ways.
One of the most joyful traditions is the Twmpath—a traditional Welsh barn dance that brings everyone together. Similar to a ceilidh, it features a live folk band and a caller who teaches and guides the dancers, creating a warm, energetic atmosphere for all.
The tradition of weaving in Wales stretches back to the Middle Ages, when wool production was one of the region’s major industries. With an abundance of sheep, weaving became an essential household craft in rural communities, producing practical items like blankets, shawls, and warm garments for the chilly Welsh climate.
Today, the craft is kept alive by artisans and local makers who have learned these traditional skills and are reshaping them for the modern world. Their work blends heritage techniques with contemporary creativity, ensuring Welsh weaving continues to thrive.
And of course, no St David’s Day celebration would be complete without Welsh cakes. These sweet, griddled treats dotted with raisins are one of Wales’ most iconic snacks. Tradition says you should eat as many as you can on St David’s Day… and we’re certainly not arguing with that.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate St David’s Day at Ysbryd y Wlad!
Joyful Half-Term Celebration of Welsh Culture Comes to Narberth
Families across Pembrokeshire are invited to celebrate Welsh culture, creativity and community at a joyful, family-friendly event taking place on Wednesday 18 February. Designed as a relaxed and welcoming half-term day out, the event offers a rich programme of hands-on workshops, storytelling, music and food, with opportunities to drop in for a single activity or enjoy the full day of celebrations.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 18 February
Location: Scout Hut, Narberth SA67 7AG, and SPAN Arts, Narberth SA67 7AG
Time: 1:30pm – 5pm
Pricing: Pay what you can starting from: £3
Book: span-arts.org.uk
Please contact info@spanarts.org to discuss your accessibility needs.
