What is St Davids Day? The Native Day of Wales!

St David is the patron saint of Wales and he is celebrated on the 1 March.

To mark the day, Welsh people around the world wear one or both of Wales's national emblems - a daffodil and a leek. Special concerts and parades are also held in St David's honour.

St David - or Dewi Sant in Welsh - was born on the south-west coast of Wales, near to where the city of St Davids is today. It is said that he lived for more than 100 years and died on Tuesday, 1 March 589.

HOW TO CELEBRATE ST DAVID’S DAY

1) Visit heritage sites.

Several Wales’s heritage sites are open for free on St David’s Day, as part of St David’s Day celebrations – including St Davids Bishop’s Palace. This includes Caerphilly Castle, with its iconic leaning tower and St Davids Bishop’s Palace — located near St Davids Cathedral, where Wales’s patron Saint, Dewi Sant, founded his monastery. There is also a national parade each year. From military parades to concerts and food festivals, there is no shortage of celebration of St. David’s Day in Wales — particularly in Cardiff. If that’s out of range, try to find a celebration near you! Even Washington D.C. and Los Angeles hold events for the Welsh holiday to honour Welsh culture.

2) Wear a costume.

People typically celebrate St David's Day by wearing a daffodil, the national symbol of Wales, or a leek, St David's symbol. In Wales, people, particularly children, wear traditional Welsh costumes. Girls wear a petticoat and overcoat, made of Welsh flannel, and a tall hat, worn over a frilled bonnet.

3) Eat Welsh food.

Go on.a search for Welsh cakes and Bara Brith. If you can't find a Welsh restaurant it doesn't matter! Cook up some 'cawl', Welsh rarebit, 'laverbread' or Glamorgan sausage' to celebrate traditional Welsh cuisine.