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Falling on the 1st March, Saint David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant) is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. Traditional activities include wearing daffodils and leeks as they are recognised symbols of Wales and Saint David, as well as eating traditional Welsh food and women wearing traditional Welsh dress.
If you want to embrace your Welsh heritage but can’t attend a parade or local event, we’ve put together a small list of ways you can celebrate the day.
In schools, it’s common to dress up in traditional Welsh attire for Saint David’s Day. The Welsh traditional costume (Gwisg Gymreig draddodiadol) for girls is recognised as the national dress of Wales and is worn not only on this day but also for events like the Eisteddfod. This costume has several distinctive elements, with the iconic Welsh hat—dating back to the 1840s—being one of the most recognisable symbols of Welsh heritage.
For a more modern option, a Welsh rugby shirt is a great choice. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn for Saint David’s Day celebrations and rugby match days, especially with the Six Nations tournament in full swing.
At Leekes, we stock traditional Welsh costumes and rugby shirts at our Llantrisant and Cross Hands stores. Visit your nearest store to shop and celebrate in style!
A delicious way to celebrate Saint David’s Day is by indulging in traditional Welsh cuisine, such as Welsh cakes (Llech Cymreig, picau ar y maen, pice bach, cacennau cri, or teisennau gradell). Popular since the 19th century, these sweet treats, also known as griddle cakes or bakestones, get their name from being traditionally cooked on a bakestone or cast-iron griddle.
While you can find Welsh cakes in supermarkets and market stalls across Wales, the best way to enjoy them is by baking them yourself. Don’t worry, you don’t need a special bakestone or griddle pan! Abergavenny baker Kathryn Gunter has put together a simple guide to making traditional Welsh cakes with just 5 basic ingredients in as little as 14 minutes. All you need is self-raising flour, caster sugar, margarine or butter, sultanas, and eggs. Click here for the full method.
If you’re looking to mix things up, many people add their own twist to the classic recipe. Try adding jam or marmalade or swap out the sultanas for chocolate chips to create a contemporary take on this traditional favourite! For bakeware products, visit your nearest Leekes store or shop online.
For a more lasting way to celebrate Saint David’s Day, consider decorating your home with Welsh-themed pieces. A simple and affordable option is to buy daffodils, a national symbol of Wales. At this time of year, most supermarkets across Wales offer them at a low cost—just place them in a vase for an instant festive touch.
If you’re looking for something more specific, we have a beautiful selection of Welsh Connection Home products available at our Llantrisant and Cross Hands stores.
From elegant jugs to charming mugs, our range lets you bring a touch of Welsh heritage into your home, for Saint David’s Day or to enjoy all year round. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply savouring a quiet cup of tea, these pieces will add warmth and tradition to your table settings.
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Posted by Leekes on February 24, 2025 in Inspiration, Lifestyle advice, Seasonal