Traditions of Wales

 Welsh Traditions. Beliefs, Festivals, Customs and Food

Wales is a country of Great Britain. Despite this, the traditions of Wales are completely different, which includes its own language, customs, politics, holidays and music. Wales is primarily represented by the symbol of the red Welsh dragon, but other national emblems include the leek and the daffodil.

Archaeological evidence suggests that present-day Wales has been inhabited for over 230,000 years, with the region's first farming communities emerging around 4,000 BC. In the centuries that followed, continental European Celts led the last great migration into the country, and most of the present population is descended from these settlers.

New Years Eve

One of the busiest evenings in Wale is when people pour out of the pubs, clubs and house parties on every street, as they close out the last 12 months and welcome in a new year. Cardiff, in particular, is a great place to celebrate, counting the seconds remaining in the center of the city.

National Eisteddfod Festival

The Eisteddfod is a proud celebration of Welsh culture and language, held in a different location each August. As well as local musical acts, the event features Welsh poetry readings, dance and visual arts. It has been celebrated informally and officially for centuries and serves as a reminder of the unique and compelling aspects of Welsh culture.

Green Man Music Festival

Green Man, one of the UK's most up-and-coming music festivals, takes place each August in the beautiful setting of the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons. The event draws thousands of people every year, plus some of the biggest names in popular music. Ideal for families, it is a great event that offers much more than music.

Great British Cheese Festival

Held in glorious Cardiff Castle, this party offers guests the chance to sample over 450 different types of cheese from the British Isles with a tasty range of beers, ciders and wines to drink. It's a great place to experience local Welsh cuisine with a wide range of traditional dishes and modern portions to whet the appetite.

Cardiff Half Marathon

One of the best half marathons in the UK, this exciting road race takes place in the Welsh capital every October. Because the course is relatively flat, the marathon is ideal for beginners, so if you want an energetic day on vacation, this exciting race may be perfect. Be sure to book early if you want to participate, as the event sells out quickly.

Halloween

The perfect excuse to dress up and act like a kid for the night, Halloween sees plenty of establishments around Wales throw fancy dress parties. Get your fill of zombies, ghosts, and werewolves and crawl through the city streets until the wee hours of the night on October 31st.