Welsh Celebrate Twice Over in Bulgaria

The Welsh flag - The Red Dragon ('Y Ddraig Goch'), which, by coincidence, shares the same combination of colors as Bulgaria's national flag. File photo

As Bulgaria celebrates March 1, the Day of Baba Marta, with people exchanging red-and-white symbolic Martenitsi, those Welsh ex-pats living here quietly enjoy a double celebration.

March 1 also happens to be the Welsh National Day, celebrated both in the homeland and wherever the Welsh have settled, worldwide.

Back in Wales, the day is marked with traditional celebrations and symbols. Instead of pinning a Martenitsa to one’s clothing, the Welsh wear either a daffodil, the general symbol of Wales, or a small leek, the specific symbol of Wales' own patron saint, St David.

David was a monk, who died in 589 AD, on March 1. Apparently, the date of his death has been celebrated ever since. What is established is that the date became the official National Day as far back as the 18th century.

In the remote south-west region of Wales where David lived and preached, a monastic center dedicated to him grew over the centuries. Now, the smallest city in the United Kingdom, the City of St Davids, draws thousands of visitors to the cathedral and the nearby well associated with David and his mother, St Non. The water still flows, fresh and invigorating, and is said to have healing powers.

Celebrations in 2010 in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, include a grand parade through the city center, live concerts - music and dance - performed by Welsh artists, and an evening of televised music, with folk and classic choral works performed by the national musical ensembles.

Traditional Welsh foods are mainly simple, based on long-standing rustic recipes handed down the generations. The most popular dish associated with St David’s Day is a big bowl of "cawl", a thick broth of meat and vegetables, washed down with a glass of dark, foamy beer.

Novinite.com, which has Welshmen on its staff, wishes a happy St David’s Day to Welshmen everywhere, and especially to those who are sitting in Bulgaria, gently reminiscing about their homeland - and dreaming of that special pint of Felinfoel!

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