For hundreds of years, the people of Wales have been celebrating its patron saint, David.
The Welsh national day takes place annually on the 1st March, which this year is on a Sunday following yesterday’s leap day.
St David’s Day has been celebrated ever since his canonisation by Pope Callixtus II in the 12th century. It is said that the day is observed on the 1st March as this is believed to be the date of David’s death.
Each year the nation comes together in celebration, wearing traditional Welsh dress and icons such as the daffodil and leek. The day is commemorated usually by eating traditional foods such as cawl (soup), Welsh rarebit, bara birth, and my personal favourite, Welsh cakes. There are also parades, with the largest taking place in Cardiff.
The Cardiff parade, which is now in its twenty seventh year, is something that is enjoyed by all and showcases Welsh traditions and culture. Starting at 12.30pm by City Hall , the parade makes it way through the city centre to the Hayes, by the St David’s Hall.
