St David’s Day in London 2012: 1 March 2012


Introduction
Wales’ patron saint…
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Six Nations
Watch the Wales Six Nations at London pubs…
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Food
Celebrate with some traditional Welsh food…
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Events
Celebrations in London…
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St David’s Day in London: Introduction

They make a big deal of St David’s Day in Wales, which is fair enough as he is their patron saint, but until recently the old guy – he’s 1400+ – didn’t travel too well, unlike his Irish rival Saint Patrick, who gets a party in every city of the world on his day, it seems.

That travel sickness looks like being cured. In 1 March 2003, the colours of the Welsh flag – red, white and green – were beamed onto the Empire State Building in New York and there are signs that news is spreading, even to London.

Better yet, the Welsh are getting a St David’s Day in early for us lot this year, by way of a Welsh Produce Market at St Christopher’s Place, just off Oxford Street, on 27 February.

Among the treats we are promised are traditional fayre like yummy Welsh Cakes – a bit like scones, only better – and more modish stuff, such as creme fraiche and brownies, Welsh style.

St David – Dewi Sant in your Welsh – died on 1 March 589. During his lifetime and in the years following his death, his was one of the biggest names in Christendom and regular pilgrimages were made from far and wide to the site of his shrine, on which now stands the evocative St David’s Cathedral in west Wales.

In Cardiff and other major towns, there are big parades on the day and many Welsh people Welsh wear symbols like daffodils or leeks in their lapels in celebration.

– David Clee