Celebrating the Patron Saint of Wales -- St David's Day is March 1

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Feb 25, 2015, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 900 years after he was pronounced a saint, St David's Day is the highlight of spring throughout Wales. Cardiff's lively National St David's Day Parade has featured dynamic performances from fiery dragons and theatrical groups, and star turns from the likes of Tom Jones. This year the procession will begin at Cardiff's City Hall and end at a bandstand in the grounds of Cardiff Castle for three hours of Welsh entertainment.

St. David's Cathedral in St. Davids, Wales

Wales's patron saint, Saint David (Dewi Sant) was born towards the end of the 5th century. He was a scion of the royal house of Ceredigion, and founded a monastic community in Pembrokeshire where St David's Cathedral stands today, on the county's magnificent headland. His shrine became a place of pilgrimage; four visits to his shrine were considered the equivalent of two to Rome, and one to Jerusalem. With a thriving community of fewer than 2,000 souls, St. David's is Britain's smallest city: www.stdavids.co.uk.

The beautiful coastal setting for St David's is part of the Wales Coastal Path...Lonely Planet's Tom Hall has said, "As well as the novel ability to walk its entire coastline, the region [Wales] comes out top because of its wildlife, great surf, castles and fantastic spots such as Barafundle Bay and St David's."

Living in a world lit only by fire, St. David would feel right at home in Wales's International Dark Sky Reserve. Brecon Beacons National Park is one of only nine officially designated reserves in the world, committed to eliminating light pollution. You can gaze in awe at the magnitude of the Milky Way in pitch black surroundings: www.breconbeacons.org/stargazing.

Besides its ancient and breathtaking scenery, Wales offers travelers modern ways to rejuvenate and restore their equilibrium. The Welsh Rarebits collection of eclectic hotels includes classy townhouses and classic country houses, trendy boutique hotels and traditional inns, famous foodie options and cool coastal bolt holes. They are famous for the warmth of their 'Croeso' ... 'Welcome:' www.rarebits.co.uk.

In addition, Wales is a contemporary Foodie's Paradise. With award-winning restaurants, an authentic farm-to-table experience and 15 food festivals, Wales is a distinctive culinary destination. Want to recreate an authentic Welsh eating experience? www.americas.visitwales.com/food-drink.

For more information about fabulous Wales: www.americas.visitwales.com; www.facebook.com/visitwales; www.twitter.com/visitwales; www.flickr.com/visitwales.

Media Contact: Bob Titley
The Robert Titley Consultancy
[email protected]
(917) 690 8418

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150220/176783

SOURCE Visit Wales