St David is the patron saint of Wales and across the country people will celebrating on 1 March. St David’s Day is the unmissable highlight of spring in Wales, celebrated with a profusion of daffodils and leeks – the national symbols of Wales.

St David's Day Parade © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

The National St David’s Day Parade sees a red and yellow carnival light up the centre of Cardiff, Wales’s capital city, with fiery performances from giant dragons, bands, theatre groups and more. The parade ends in front of Cardiff’s City Hall, where the crowds join in a rousing mass rendition of the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. There is also the annual St David’s Day concert at Cardiff's St David’s Hall.

But it’s not just the Welsh capital that gets in on the act, as processions and celebrations take place in villages, towns and cities across the country.

St David’s Cathedral © Crown copyright 2006, all rights reserved

Naturally, there’s plenty happening in the city of St David’s itself. There are a range of events at St David’s Cathedral, including bellringing and special choral services. There is also a pilgrims’ walk, following in the footsteps of saints, from ancient St Non’s Chapel through the city’s streets to the Cathedral.

For visitors to St David’s, the magnificent Bishop’s Palace, which stands right next to the Cathedral, is not to be missed. This grand medieval building, designed by Bishop Henry de Gower, illustrates just how much power religious leaders once held here. 

Parades will be taking place across Wales, including in Aberystwyth, Caernarfon and Wrexham. At Portmeirion in North Wales there will be a weekend of celebrations and Bala Lake Railway in Snowdonia will be allowing visitors to ride for half price. In Bangor, there will be a week of events and activities, and in Swansea a two day festival will feature music, entertainment and food and drink in the city centre.

 St David's Day Parade © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is throwing open its doors at a number of its properties, with free admission to 16 site across Wales on 1 March.

“St David’s Day sees great celebrations taking place across Wales,” said Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism. “It really is quite an experience to watch a St David’s Day Parade, enjoy a St David’s Day Concert – often featuring the famous Male Voice Choirs – or to take part in one of the many festivals and events around the country.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy St David’s Day in Wales, on a tailor-made tour of Wales or indeed the UK and Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today.