Saint David's Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint David's Day |
|
|---|---|
St David
|
|
| Official name | Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant |
| Observed by | Wales, Welsh people, Welsh diaspora |
| Type | National day in Wales. |
| Celebrations | Children take part in eisteddfodau. |
| Observances | Parades; wearing Welsh emblems, etc. |
| Date | 1 March |
Saint David's Day is a special celebration day for Saint David. He is the patron saint of Wales. This means he is a special protector or guide for the country. His feast day, or celebration day, is on March 1st every year. People in Wales and those with Welsh family around the world celebrate this day. March 1st was chosen because it's believed Saint David died on that day in the year 589. This date became a national day of celebration in Wales in the 1700s.
Making it a Public Holiday
In 2000, everyone in the National Assembly for Wales voted to make Saint David's Day a public holiday. A public holiday is a day off work or school for most people. In 2006, a survey asked people in Wales about this. It found that 87% of people wanted Saint David's Day to be a bank holiday. A bank holiday is a national day off. About 65% were even willing to give up another bank holiday to make this happen. In 2007, a request to make Saint David's Day a bank holiday was sent to the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. However, the request was not approved.
How People Celebrate
Many parades are held in Wales on Saint David's Day. The biggest parade takes place in Cardiff, the capital city. Important people like the British Monarch or the Prince of Wales often attend this parade. These parades mix traditional Welsh customs, known as folklore, with military displays. On March 1st, 2010, the seventh National Saint David's Day Parade happened in Cardiff city centre. Celebrations that year included music concerts, the parade, and a food festival. This festival featured many delicious foods made in Wales.
Images for kids
-
Saint David's Day celebrations, Cardiff Bay, 2008
-
Saint David's Day Celebration, Cardiff Bay. 2009
-
Water in Swansea Castle Square fountain dyed red for Saint David's Day
See also
In Spanish: Día de San David para niños
