Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14th in honour of the martyr Saint Valentine right? 

Well, not if you are in Wales where Welsh Valentine’s Day takes place on 25th January and is held in honour of Saint Dwynwen who is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. It is naturally called Saint Dwynwen’s Day and is celebrated in a very similar fashion to Valentine’s Day by most couples who will book romantic meals, exchanging gifts and spending time in one another’s company. 

So, who was Saint Dwynwen and why has a day been created in her honour? Find out with our guide to Welsh Valentine’s Day…

Who Was Saint Dwynwen?

Saint Dwynwen is believed to have been the daughter of 5th century Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog. She falls in love with a young man named Maelon Dadodrill but is forced to reject his advances on account of her father having already arranged for her to marry another man of higher social standing. 

Agonising over the pain she feels over her lost love, Dwynwen prays that she will fall out of love with him. An angel responds to her prayer and provides her with a potion which turns Maelon into ice. This clearly wasn’t what she had in mind and God agreed to grant her three requests in response. Dwynwen wishes that Maelon is released from his curse, that God will agree to look after all true lovers and that she will remain unmarried throughout her life. 

To underline her gratitude, Dwynwen retreats to Llanddwyn, a small island off the west coast of Anglesey. She remained there until her death in 460 AD.  

How is Welsh Valentine’s Day Celebrated?

In all honesty, Welsh Valentine’s Day is not celebrated as widely as traditional Valentine’s Day. However, it is starting to become more mainstream with an increasing number of people in Wales starting to mark the occasion on the 25th January each year.

The majority of those who celebrate Welsh Valentine’s Day mark the occasion in the same way as they would traditional Valentine’s Day by booking meals out in fancy restaurants, exchanging expensive gifts and buying cards for one another. 

However, there are a smaller number of far more committed followers who will make a pilgrimage to St Dwynwen’s Church on Llanddwyn Island. This is also home to Dwynwen’s Well which is said to contain a number of eels who can predict whether or not a relationship will work out. 

Plan Your Celebrations Today

Get into the spirit by celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day this year by making your own trip to Llanddwyn Island which is located roughly a 50 minute drive away from both Woodland Falls & Silver Bay Holiday Parks off the West Coast of Anglesey. 

Here you can explore the castle, enjoy a romantic walk along Llanddwyn beach and pay a visit to the famous St Dwynwen’s well to find out how successful your relationship is set to be. 

In the evening, why not enjoy a romantic meal at The Deckhouse Restaurant which is located on the grounds of Silver Bay Holiday Park. Just make sure that you book in advance to avoid missing out on what is set to be the most romantic night of the year in Wales.