Across the globe, Welsh societies are celebrating St David’s Day today. From Swansea to San Francisco and Cardiff to Copenhagen, but how are they celebrating in Welsh Patagonia?
The region in Argentina is a million miles from Wales in all senses. Yet a number of colonists from Wales settled in the region during the late 19th century, naming towns and valleys, and sharing the language.
In Gaiman, Patagonia, a Noson Lawen (or for non-Welsh folk, a big party) will be held to mark St David’s Day, after children return to school for the first day of the new term.
For the residents of Welsh Patagonia this means traditional dress, music and folk dancing for St David’s Day Celebrations.
St David’s Day activities also receive a lot of attention in the city of Trelew.
Ysgolyr Hendre School, which is the only Welsh one in Trelew, will stage a ceremony for children. This Saturday the St David’s Association of Trelew will be holding a spring festival to mark celebrations.
Across Wales, St David’s Day parades will take place with food festivals and celebratory concerts in larger cities.
(Images: willposh, National Assembly for Wales, Stuck in Customs, Alan Fryer)
