Culture & Genealogy

Wales is a country with a rich culture

We have our own language and many traditions unique to our country. The Welsh language is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating from the 6^th century. Although English is our main language, you will come across Welsh everyday, on TV or radio, on road signs or just simply hear it spoken on the street. Why not give it a go yourself, it can be a little tricky at first but you'll be saying Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch [Link] in no time.

[Link to Welsh pronounciation site]

Bore da - Good morning
Prynhawn da - Good Afternoon
Noswaith dda - Good Evening
Nôs da - Good night
Shwd Mae? - How are you?
Diolch - Thank you
Croeso - Welcome
Iechyd da - Cheers

To celebrate our celtic culture we hold a number events and festivals throughout the year. The National Eisteddfod, a feast of singing, dancing and pageantry is one of our most famous while the seaside town of Porthcawl attracts musicians from all over the Celtic world each spring for the Cwlwm Celtaidd Celtic Festival of Wales.

Other notable days throughout the year include, Santes Dwynwen Day on 25^th January (the Welsh version of Valentine's Day) on the 1^st March we celebrate our patron Saint, St David, and Calan Gaeaf on 31 October, where we celebrate the start of winter rather than the more popular Halloween that is celebrated elsewhere on the same date. We also celebrate the New Year in our own unique way with the Mari Lwyd, an ancient tradition founded in the village of Llangynwyd near Bridgend.

Over the centuries many people have left Wales for pastures new - surprising when you consider what a wonderful country they left behind! Now there are countless people of Welsh ancestry throughout the World. If you're one of them maybe you'll want to trace your family tree? Come and find the village where your Tad-cu (Grandfather) was born or the house where Great-aunt Megan was raised. Maybe you were born in Wales and have a longing to return for a visit or just simply want to trace your family tree. Whatever the reason we're waiting to welcome you home.

Ideas & Inspiration

Why not visit the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and delve into times gone past. The Blaenavon experience spans a period of great change in the valleys of south Wales. Politically, socially, culturally, economically and physically the area was radically transformed during the nineteenth century as the region became the most important producer of iron, coal and steel in the world. Now a World Heritage Site the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre offers visitors a unique insight into the extraordinary history of the area.