Welsh traditions, myths, and legends

There's plenty to explore through the history of Welsh legend and tradition, including King Arthur, his sorcerer Merlin, and a horse skeleton that gets carried from door to door demanding beer and snacks.

A Mari Lwyd and dancers.

The midwinter majesty of the Mari Lwyd

Jude Rogers uncovers the origins of one of Wales' most eerie midwinter traditions, the Mari Lwyd.

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© Wales News Service

An illustration showing King Arthur and two knights standing next to a round table

Unpicking Arthur's Welsh ancestry

King Arthur: brave, noble, Welsh?

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Person holding the Wales flag.

Dragon spirit: the legend of the Welsh ddraig goch

It’s a familiar sight in Wales, but what’s the story of the Welsh dragon and the Welsh flag?

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Illustrated image of a man wearing religious robes, holding a staff in one hand with a dove on it

Key facts about Wales' most famous clergyman

Learn about the extraordinary life of Dewi Sant, the son of a nun who could perform miracles.

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An old postcard showing Welsh women wearing traditional dress

Black hats, petticoats and bedgowns - exploring traditional outfits in Wales

Bedgowns and tall black hats: the 19th-century style we still love today.

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interior of church with highly decorative walls.

Christmas and New Year Traditions

When Welsh people wish you 'Nadolig Llawen', they’re not just thinking about ordinary festivities. They're thinking about horses’ skulls, 3am hymn-singing, odd apples, mountain races and seaside swims too. Jude Rogers dips into the deep Welsh midwinter traditions

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Siôn Corn sitting on a chair by a fire and Christmas decorations.

The jolly man who lives in the chimney

Have you heard noises coming from the chimney lately? It could be Siôn Corn!

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A stone cottage surrounded by trees and countryside.

Why Wales feels like home to me

Author Pamela Petro explains why, despite being American, she feels hiraeth for Wales.

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King Charles III accompanied by the Queen Consort, walking down some stairs and waving at crowds

Welsh connections to the Crown

Find out more about the links between the Royal Family and Wales.

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General view from the south Caernarfon Castle

Castle country

Wales is home to some of the best and most beautiful castles in the world. Here are 12 not to miss.

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A young harp player wearing a long dress, sitting and playing a harp on a beautiful deserted beach

The strings of our nation's heart

Celebrating the Welsh harp, our national instrument

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Ein Koch, der zwei Teller mit Essen trägt.

Essential Welsh eats

Can we interest you in a hearty soup? A thick fluffy pancake? Or even a breakfast of bacon and seaweed?

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Woman wearing a Welsh hat and sticking her tongue out

Random Acts of Welshness

Doing the little things in celebration of St David's day. Try out some Random Acts of Welshness.

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Woman wearing a Welsh hat and sticking her tongue out

Random Acts of Welshness - for schools

Random Acts of Welshness

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