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St. Dwynwen’s Day

Love is in the air on St. Dwynwen's Day! Celebrate this Welsh holiday by expressing your feelings to that special someone in a unique way.

Monday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 25

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate St. Dwynwen's Day on January 25 by spreading love and happiness to those around you! This holiday, also known as the Welsh Valentine's Day, is named after the patron saint of lovers in Wales. According to legend, St. Dwynwen was a beautiful princess who fell in love with a young man but had her heart broken when her father refused to let them be together. She then prayed for God to help her forget him and he granted her wish by turning him into a block of ice. As a symbol of their love, St. Dwynwen dedicated her life to helping others find true love and happiness. So let's honor this special day by showing appreciation for our loved ones and spreading positivity wherever we go!

TIMELINE

St. Dwynwen’s Day Timeline

Saint Dwynwen's Life

Dwynwen, a Welsh princess who lived in the 5th century AD, is known as the Welsh patron saint of lovers after her own tragic love story.

Erasure of Dwynwen's Story

During Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, majority of the records about St. Dwynwen's life were destroyed, leading to a decline in her veneration.

Rediscovery of St Dwynwen's Church

The remains of St Dwynwen's church were discovered on Llanddwyn Island, leading to renewed interest in the saint and her story.

Celtic Revival

In the 20th century, there was a revival of interest in Celtic saints, and St. Dwynwen’s story began to be celebrated again.

St. Dwynwen's Day Celebration

By late 20th century, St. Dwynwen's Day started to be celebrated as the Welsh version of Valentine's Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day

Send a love letter

St. Dwynwen's Day is considered the Welsh equivalent of Valentine's Day, so why not honor the holiday by writing and sending a heartfelt love letter to someone special?

LEARN

Learn about Welsh culture

Take some time to learn about Welsh culture and traditions, including the story of St. Dwynwen and how she became the patron saint of lovers in Wales.

COOK

Cook a traditional Welsh meal

Celebrate St. Dwynwen's Day by preparing and enjoying a traditional Welsh meal, such as cawl (a hearty stew) or Welsh cakes (small, sweet griddle cakes).

Go on a romantic hike

Take advantage of the beautiful Welsh countryside and plan a romantic hike with your significant other. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery together.

ATTEND

Attend a Welsh language lesson

In honor of St. Dwynwen, who is said to have taught herself how to write in Welsh, attend a Welsh language lesson and learn some basic phrases to impress your loved one.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love St. Dwynwen’s Day

It's an excuse to indulge in delicious treats

In addition to exchanging cards and gifts, many people also enjoy treating themselves to some delicious Valentine's-themed desserts on St. Dwynwen's Day. From heart-shaped chocolates to traditional Welsh cakes, there's plenty of tasty options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It's a celebration of love and romance

St. Dwynwen's Day is all about celebrating love and relationships - whether it be with a significant other, family member, or friend. It's the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the people you care about and remind them how much they mean to you.

It's steeped in traditional Welsh culture

As the patron saint of lovers in Wales, St. Dwynwen holds a special place in Welsh culture and history. Celebrating this holiday allows us to honor and embrace our heritage while also spreading awareness about the beloved saint and her story.

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