The Cornish are particularly patriotic, and love to celebrate their patron saint, St Piran. Events take place across Cornwall around about the 5th March, so if you’re visiting Cornwall at this time it’s a fab opportunity to really see how the Cornish celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
St Piran was also said to have rediscovered the art of tin mining.....
Come to Cornwall and you can’t fail to spot the flag of St Piran on your travels. A white cross on a black background, it can be found on the bumper of a car to bunting across a village street. The Cornish are notably proud of their heritage so make sure to witness the celebrations if you’re out and about at this time.
St Piran, a 5th century abbot, was said to have been tied to a mill stone and pushed into the sea from Ireland, only for him to float across the sea and land in Perranzabuloe, where he soon amassed a following after performing miracles. He also founded the Abbey of Lanpiran. St Piran was also said to have rediscovered the art of tin smelting (a skill lost once the Romans left), leading him to be the patron saint of tin miners too.
Here’s our top pick of places which celebrate St Piran’s Day:
St Piran’s Day Parade, Falmouth
A celebration led by school children with a Furry Dance, procession, storytelling, brass band and singing.
St Piran’s Day Parade, Bodmin
Celebrations start with a parade through town to the Mount Folly with singing and dancing. Children are led to St Petroc’s Church to give offerings followed by a munch on a Cornish pasty (naturally).
St Piran’s Day Festival, Redruth
Probably home to the biggest celebrations in Cornwall, as Redruth was at one time very important in tin mining and St Piran is also the patron saint of tin miners. The highlight is the midday procession but there is also live music, a children’s trail, tin panning and a craft fair.
St Piran’s Play, Perranporth
Walk over the dunes to watch the play of St Piran where his life is acted out in three parts by actors and musicians.
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