St Piran's Day
March 5, Wednesday
England
The Legend of Saint Piran
According to legend, Saint Piran was an Irish priest who lived around the 5th-6th centuries. He was banished from Ireland, tied to a millstone and thrown into the raging sea. However, Piran survived and swam to the shores of Cornwall, where he founded a chapel and began to preach Christianity.
One of the most famous legends about Saint Piran is associated with his discovery of tin. It is said that he accidentally discovered it while lighting a fire, when molten tin began to ooze out of the stones. Thus, he became the patron saint of miners, and this discovery made Cornwall famous for its tin mining.
Holiday traditions
Processions and parades. Cornwall hosts colourful parades, with participants carrying the flag of St Piran - a black background with a white cross. The white cross symbolises tin flowing from the dark ore, and the black background symbolises the Cornish soil.
Mass processions in Perranporth and Truro. Perranporth, the place where, according to legend, St Piran landed, hosts an annual mass procession. The holiday is also widely celebrated in the county seat of Truro and other Cornish towns.
Music, dancing and singing. The celebration is accompanied by Cornish folk dancing, singing and music, which helps to preserve and highlight Cornish culture and identity.
Traditional treats. The holiday features Cornish treats such as pasties and other local dishes, making it a great opportunity to get together and enjoy local cuisine.
A day off for schoolchildren and cultural events. Many Cornish schools have no classes on this day, and children take part in parades and other cultural events, learning about the culture and history of their area.