January

Calennig
On New Year’s Day, children sing festive rhymes as they go door to door, receiving small gifts in return—a cherished tradition known as Calennig. Across Wales, New Year’s Eve celebrations include music, fireworks, and joyful gatherings.

St Dwynwen’s Day
Wales has its own patron saint of lovers—St Dwynwen. Forget Valentine’s Day; 25 January is our most romantic occasion. We celebrate by exchanging gifts and remembering the tale of Dwynwen, a young woman who chose a life of devotion after being forbidden to marry her love.

February

Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau
Once marking the arrival of spring, Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau (Mary’s Festival of the Candles) was traditionally celebrated on 2 February with candles glowing in windows and parlour games. Though no longer widely observed, candle-themed services continue in some churches.

March

St David’s Day
Our national day, 1 March, is a grand celebration of Wales’ patron saint, St David (Dewi Sant). Across the country, lively parades fill the streets with Welsh flags waving proudly. Many wear national emblems—daffodils or leeks—while children don costumes or dress up as dragons.

Diwrnod Crempog (Pancake Day)
On the eve of Lent, Wales joins in the fun of Pancake Day, known here as Diwrnod Crempog. Families gather to cook and enjoy delicious pancakes in various styles.

April

National Laverbread Day
On 14 April, we celebrate the uniquely Welsh delicacy of laverbread—cooked porphyra seaweed, a staple found along our rugged coastline. The tradition was introduced in 2022 by The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company.

Easter
Observed in March or April, Easter brings religious processions and festive traditions. Children eagerly search for chocolate eggs left by the mythical Easter Bunny—though Welsh rarebit is a delicious alternative.

May

Calan Mai
Celebrated on 1 May as the traditional start of summer, Calan Mai was once marked by bonfires, decorations, and lively festivities. Today, the first Monday in May is a bank holiday.

July

Royal Welsh Show
One of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural events, the four-day Royal Welsh Show features livestock competitions alongside falconry displays, sheepdog trials, motocross performances, and even giant animatronic robots.

August

National Eisteddfod
Dating back to the 12th century, eisteddfods celebrate Welsh literature, music, and performance. The National Eisteddfod—a week-long festival—travels to different locations each year, drawing around 150,000 visitors for cultural showcases and family-friendly events.

September

Welsh Rarebit Day
Forget calling it ‘cheese on toast’—Welsh rarebit is a gourmet delight with melted cheese, mustard, and ale poured over toasted bread. We celebrate this culinary treasure every 3 September.

October

Calan Gaeaf (Halloween)
Wales welcomes winter on 31 October with Calan Gaeaf. Once a solemn occasion honoring the dead, it has evolved into a fun-filled evening where costumes and trick-or-treating take centre stage.

December

Mari Lwyd
This ancient tradition sees the Mari Lwyd—a horse’s skull adorned with ribbons—paraded through the streets in parts of South Wales. Rhymes are exchanged at doorsteps, and once admitted inside, Mari Lwyd brings good fortune for the coming year.