St Davids Day in St Davids

It is celebrated on the 1^st of March every year.  This is traditionally recognised as the day that St David died, in around 589, and is now celebrated as his feast day.

David was the son of St Non of Menevia (now St Davids City) and the king of the neighbouring county, Ceredigion.  On the day of his birth, sometime around 462, a great storm gripped this area of Pembrokeshire, which many saw as an indication of the power of the child.  He became a great teacher, a renowned preacher and founded monastic settlements in Wales, Devon and Brittany.  His most famous miracle occurred while he was preaching in a large crowd in Llanddewi Brefi – the ground rose beneath him and a dove landed on his shoulder. He was officially recognised as a saint in 1120, and shortly after was recognised as the Patron Saint of Wales.

Despite much lobbying, St Davids Day is not a nationally recognised holiday.  However, many schools take a half day to allow for celebrations with family.  More popular are parades, where children dress in traditional costumes and march through their towns, singing Welsh songs.  Often, Eisteddfodau (Welsh cultural competitions) take place for school children on March the 1^st.

As March the 1^st is officially the feast of St David, then it’s typical to find Cawl, a Welsh stew made of lamb and vegetables, on the menu. Quite ironic as David himself was a vegetarian! We’re sure he would approve of Te Bach though, which is tea with bara brith (a traditional fruit cake made with tea and mixed spices) and pice bach, or Welsh cakes, all of which are traditionally eaten on this day.

And here in St Davids, the celebrations feel all the more special — with a wonderful programme of local events, music and community gatherings taking place across the city to mark our patron saint’s day.

One of the best ways to experience St Davids Cathedral is when it’s filled with music. On the evening of 27th February, the Cathedral will play host to the Band of the Prince of Wales, for a rousing evening of music. Tickets are free to reserve and they ask for a donation towards the Army Benevolent Fund.

This year, St Davids Day marks the first outdoor market of the year on Cross Square. Local producers and makers are there on Saturday 28th February from 9am to 4pm, and it’s always a lovely atmosphere.

The St Davids Parade is a fantastic event for all the family.  It’s being held on Saturday 28th February at 1.30pm so that everyone is able to take part. Join hundreds of community groups, businesses and children as they take to the streets of the ancient city of St Davids with dragons in tow!  Festivities begin at 9.30am until 4.30pm at Oriel Y Parc.

On 1st March, join fellow walkers in the footsteps of St David on this special pilgrimage celebrating ancient traditions. The journey begins at St Davids Holy Well at Porthclais and follows the coastal path to St Non’s Holy Well, where pilgrims gather for a blessing. From there, the walk continues into the city and on to St Davids Cathedral.

10am- 12.30pm

Join clergy from the Cathedral in celebrating and blessing the lighting of the stone in Oriel Y Parcs courtyard on the patron saints day at 12noon. There will be a procession that continues to Cross Square.

Come and view the fantastic display of bikes from the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club as they gather in the Oriel Y Parc courtyard 1pm

Join our hands-on clay workshop and make Welsh-inspired creations in our fun, relaxed workshop held at Oriel Y Parc on Saturday 28th February, 3pm – 4.30pm. Perfect for all ages.

£2.50 per child

Continue the celebrations with a jazz night with Jaz Delorean at The Brunch House. Tickets available from the brunch house £18 per ticket

There are many gorgeous cafes in and around St Davids. So why not visit the cathedral, and then pop into one of the local eateries for a Welsh cake?  The Refectory at the Cathedral itself is the home to the beloved MamGu Welshcakes, and a visit is simply a must.