St. David's Day in United States

Many Americans of Welsh origin annually celebrate the life of Wales’ patron saint, St David on March 1. It is also a time to people to remember the Welsh culture and to appreciate their Welsh origins. The Welsh flag is often seen during celebrations on the day, as well as daffodils or leeks pinned to clothing.

The Welsh flag is often seen on St David's Day.

©iStockphoto.com/AlasdairJames

What do people do?

Many people with Welsh ancestry or ties celebrate St David’s life and the Welsh culture in the United States.  Some people may attend a special St David’s Day church service while others may cook a nice meal to share with friends or family. Meals may include herbed lamb chops, Welsh pot bread, or Caerphilly Crumble.

Many groups may organize special events or parties that may include carrying the flag of Wales, dressing in traditional costumes, and wearing daffodils or leeks on clothing. The Welsh flag, a red dragon on a white and green background, is displayed prominently and a festive mood prevails.

Public life

St David's Day is not a public holiday in the United States. However, it is a day of celebration so some community groups, schools, and businesses may have a special program for the day.

Background

St David is the patron saint of Wales. He plays a very important role in Welsh culture but little is known about his life. St David's Day was recognized officially as the national day for people of Welsh origin in the United States in 2003. The Empire State Building was floodlit in the Welsh national colors, which are red, green and white, on March 1 that year. An article on St David’s Day in the United Kingdom covers more information about St David’s Day’s origins and symbols.

St. David's Day Observances

Other holidays in March 2013 in United States

• Read Across America Day ―Friday, March 1, 2013
• Self-injury Awareness Day ―Friday, March 1, 2013
• Texas Independence Day ―Saturday, March 2, 2013
• Casimir Pulaski Day ―Monday, March 4, 2013
• Town Meeting Day Vermont ―Tuesday, March 5, 2013
• International Women's Day ―Friday, March 8, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time starts ―Sunday, March 10, 2013
• World Kidney Day ―Thursday, March 14, 2013
• Pi Day ―Thursday, March 14, 2013
• Evacuation Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013
• St. Patrick's Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013
• Evacuation Day ―Monday, March 18, 2013
• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• International Day of Happiness ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• World Poetry Day ―Thursday, March 21, 2013
• World Down Syndrome Day ―Thursday, March 21, 2013
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination ―Thursday, March 21, 2013
• International Day of Nowruz ―Thursday, March 21, 2013
• World Water Day ―Friday, March 22, 2013
• World Meteorological Day ―Saturday, March 23, 2013
• Earth Hour ―Saturday, March 23, 2013
• International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• World Tuberculosis Day ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members ―Monday, March 25, 2013
• Maryland Day ―Monday, March 25, 2013
• International Day of Remembrance of Slavery Victims and the Transatlantic Slave Trade ―Monday, March 25, 2013
• Seward's Day ―Monday, March 25, 2013
• First day of Passover ―Tuesday, March 26, 2013
• Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day ―Tuesday, March 26, 2013
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• César Chávez Day ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013