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St. Piran’s Day

On St. Piran's Day, let's raise a pint to the patron saint of Cornwall and celebrate all things Cornish with traditional pasties, music, and dancing!
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When it is?
March 5
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Cultural
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United Kingdom
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Introduction

Get ready to celebrate St. Piran's Day on March 5! This special day is named after the patron saint of Cornwall, a county in southwest England known for its stunning coastline and rich Celtic heritage. Legend has it that St. Piran was thrown into the sea by Irish pagans, but miraculously survived by floating across the water on a granite millstone. He then landed on the shores of Perranporth Beach, where he built a chapel and spread Christianity throughout the region. Today, this holiday is celebrated with parades, traditional Cornish food like pasties and saffron cake, and plenty of dancing and singing in honor of St. Piran's legacy. So put on your daffodil or leek pin (symbols of Wales and Cornwall) and join in on the festivities!

History of St. Piran’s Day

St. Piran’s Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>5th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Piran’s Time</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Piran, the patron saint of tin miners and also considered the national saint of Cornwall, lived in the 5th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1838</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rediscovery of St. Piran Oratory</div><div class='timeline-text'>The remains of St. Piran's Oratory, an early Christian chapel, are uncovered in the sand dunes near Perranporth.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>From the turn of the 20th century, St. Piran's Day began to be increasingly recognized and celebrated in Cornwall.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Piran Play Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The St. Piran Play, a drama procession and performance recounting the saint's life, was revived after a lapse of several years.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cornwall Council Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cornwall Council began to recognize St. Piran's Day by raising the flag of St. Piran over public buildings.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Grand Bard's St Piran's Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Grand Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh makes the St Piran's Declaration from the Boscawen Stone Circle to mark the day.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate St. Piran’s Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many towns and cities in Cornwall, England hold parades on St. Piran's Day to celebrate the patron saint of Cornwall. Attend a parade and enjoy the traditional music, dance, and costumes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a Cornish pasty</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Piran's Day is the perfect time to try making a traditional Cornish pasty. Gather your ingredients and follow a recipe to create this delicious savory pastry.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a play about St. Piran</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Piran's life and legend have been depicted in various plays and performances. Look for local productions or watch one online to learn more about the patron saint of Cornwall.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a tin mine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Piran is said to have discovered tin while living in Cornwall. Take a tour of a tin mine and learn more about this important industry in the region.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear black and white</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Traditionally, people wear black and white on St. Piran's Day to represent the colors of the Cornish flag. Show your pride by donning these colors or incorporating them into your outfit in some way.</p></div></div>

Why We Love St. Piran’s Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrate the Patron Saint of Cornwall</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Piran's Day is a celebration of the patron saint of Cornwall, a Celtic land steeped in rich history and tradition. It's a day to honor and embrace this unique culture, which has survived and thrived throughout history!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Experience Cornish heritage and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Piran's Day provides an opportunity to partake in traditional Cornish festivities like dancing, singing, and enjoying local delicacies such as cornish pasties. You can also learn more about Cornish heritage by visiting museums or attending cultural events.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spread love and unity through music and dance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On St. Piran's Day, communities come together to perform traditional dances like the 'Furry Dance', a lively procession through the streets accompanied by music. It's a heartwarming sight to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared culture.</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts for St. Piran's Day

St. Piran’s Day FAQs

When is St. Piran’s Day?

St. Piran's Day is celebrated on March 5 every year. In 2024 St. Piran's Day will occur on a Tuesday.

St. Piran’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Mar 5

Sunday

2024

Mar 5

Tuesday

2025

Mar 5

Wednesday

2026

Mar 5

Thursday

2027

Mar 5

Friday

Cultural Holidays