Wed 25 Jan is Dydd Santes Dwynwen, or St Dwynwen’s Day, in Wales. For those unfamiliar, it’s basically the Welsh version of Valentine’s Day – Santes Dwynwen is our patron saint of lovers. The day saw a resurgence of popularity in the 1960s; by 2004 it was even being promoted by local councils. Whether you’re sick of typical Valentine’s stuff or want to embrace traditional Welsh love, Rhiannon Farr’s got some ideas.
VISIT ST DWYNWEN’S CHURCH
For those who are looking for a trip away, why not visit the ruins of St Dwynwen’s church on Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey? It’s said that the saint is buried at this site, and there’s even a well with eels that can predict the outcome of your relationship. Read more here.
PRESENT YOUR LOVED ONE WITH A LOVESPOON
If you’re a handy woodworker, try your hand at carving a lovespoon yourself. Alternatively, you can always purchase one from an independent business: giving the gift of love without the hard work! Here are some of our favourites:
Castle Welsh Crafts, Cardiff
Home to both the world’s smallest and largest lovespoon! A family-run business, they specialise in carving bespoke lovespoons. (Info: here)

CadwynGifts on Etsy
A Carmarthen-based seller providing handmade gifts. (Info: here)
Welsh Lovespoon Studio, Newport
Another family-run business, designer and woodcrafter Phil Arnold has over 20 years of lovespoon experience. (Info: here)
ST DWYNWEN’S DAY IN CAERPHILLY
On Sun 22 Jan, Caerphilly Castle are hosting a day of activities surrounding St Dwynwen. It runs from 10.30am-3.30pm, with tours, talks, card making and craft activities: a great choice for a date or even something to attend with the family! See more here.

CYNGERDD SANTES DWYNWEN IN CAERNARFON
A bit later on in the year, so perhaps gifting tickets to your loved one is the way to go for this one, but the Galeri in Caernarfon is celebrating love and embracing the figure of Santes Dwynwen with a concert on Fri 5 May. With an ensemble consisting of pianist Llŷr Williams, singer Rhys Meirion, and special guest Gwawr Edwards, it’s sure to be a brilliant choice for any music lover. See more here.
HANDMADE GIFTS FROM LOCAL CREATIVES
Stuck for gift ideas? Cardiff Creative Shop has a plethora of gifts from over 50 Welsh artists and creatives – there’s something for everyone! You’ll be supporting local artists and businesses, all while giving the gift of love. You can either pop into the store in Queen’s Arcade, or have a look on their website.
Up north, CeFfi in Ruthin has some beautiful handmade designs for your loved ones – they have a whole Santes Dwynwen collection!

BUY CARDS FROM WELSH ILLUSTRATORS
Looking for a card you wouldn’t find in a supermarket? Here are some Etsy shops run by Welsh artists:




words RHIANNON FARR
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