St David's Day 2019 date: What is St David's Day, why is he the patron saint of Wales?

St David’s Day is one of the most vibrant days in the Welsh calendar as people don yellow daffodils or leeks in honour of their patron saint. Popular festivities amongst Welsh people include eating traditional foods, such as Welsh rarebit, and visiting parades. Patron saints are people designated with a special holy status who are said to be the protectors of a nation or certain place. Those chosen are usually tied to the area by birth or through local status.

What is St David's Day, why is he the patron saint of Wales?

St David’s Day is the patron Saint of Wales and he is celebrated on March 1.

There are many stories about who David was so it is hard to pin down exactly what is true and what is fiction.

We do know St David - or Dewi Sant in Welsh - was born on the south-west coast of Wales between 462 AD and 515 AD.

The devout Christian became known for his teachings and he is said to have journeyed far and wide.

He even visited Jerusalem where he became an archbishop, according to the Visit Wales website.

St David's most famous miracle is said to have occurred while he was preaching at Llandewi Brefi.

The saint is said to have levitated above the ground as he addressed a large crowd.

St David is believed to have lived for more than 100 years, dying on March 1, 589.

He was made a patron saint in the 12th century after being canonised by Pope Callixtus II in 1120.

Is St David’s Day a bank holiday?

St David’s Day is not a national holiday but there have been petitions for it to be made one.

Thousands of people attend The National St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff annually, which finishes in front of the City Hall.

The throngs of crowds, dressed in the celebratory colours of red and yellow, usually sing the Welsh national anthem called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

How do you say Happy St David's Day in Welsh?

The traditional greeting is Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, which is pronounced dee-the goil De-wi ha-peece.