A social media campaign from VisitWales is inviting people across the world to become Welsh for the day by sharing random acts of Welshness on St David’s Day (1 March).

St David, the patron saint of Wales, famously asked the people of Wales to ‘do the little things’ (‘gwnewch y pethau bychain’) in life that would have a positive impact on people and our world.

The VisitWales campaign aims to introduce a global audience to Welsh customs and traditions, both ancient and reimagined, and to highlight Wales’ reputation as a nation of community, caring and kindness. 35 acts of Welshness have been posted by VisitWales in the run up to the big day, with people asked to choose one at random, or create their own, and then share it on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or Twitter.

Say it with daffodils – the national Welsh flower © Gareth Bull / Crown Copyright

Some ideas proposed by VisitWales to get people started include baking delicious Welsh cakes; giving daffodils – the national flower of Wales; giving a cwtch – a cwtch in Wales is like a hug, but so much better; wearing a leek – the national vegetable of Wales is a leek and often people in Wales will wear one on their jumper or hat on the national day; or flying the red dragon (Draig Goch), the distinctive national flag with a dragon on it.

Fly the red dragon on St David's Day!

Some of the other ideas unique to Wales that you can do to celebrate include:

• Giving a love spoon. They have been carving love spoons in Wales for centuries, each one with a unique message. Each specific carving on the spoon is symbolic, from the eternal love of the Celtic knot to the twisted stem indicating togetherness. 

Give a traditional Welsh love spoon! © Gareth Bull / Crown Copyright

• Learning some Welsh. Start an online course or why not combine your learning with a holiday and take a residential course at the picturesque Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh centre in North Wales?
• Wearing a het Gymreig — a traditional Welsh hat — with style. It's a tall hat traditionally worn by women as part of the Welsh national costume. The iconic hat has been re-imagined in recent years and is making a comeback.

Don your Welsh hat! © Gareth Bull / Crown Copyright

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “I was born and raised in North Wales and so I know just how special St David’s Day is for Welsh people. It’s fantastic that this year people all over the world will be able to join in on social media to help turn the world Welsh on 1st March! And if you want to discover more about Wales, then why not talk to us about a tailor-made tour of our fantastic country?”

No matter where people are in the world, they are being invited to join in and celebrate the national day of Wales. No previous knowledge of Welshness is required! Get involved by sharing your own random act of Welshness on social media along with #RandomActsOfWelshness and @Walesdotcom.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Happy St David’s Day!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Wales, discovering the small country with a big heart, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales