St Piran’s Day is celebrated on 5th March every year with an exciting array of events held all across Cornwall.
Originally the patron saint of tin, St Piran’s Day was traditionally only observed by tin miners and their families. Festivities grew over the years and he is now considered one of the patron saints of Cornwall along with St Micheal and St Petroc. All across the county celebrations are held on 5th March. Parades of people dressed in black, white, and gold pass through towns and villages, there are markets themed around Cornish produce, and local businesses decorate their premises.
The story of St Piran recounts that he was an Irish Abbott who was tied to a mill stone and thrown into the sea to drown in the 5th century under orders of the king . He survived and floated to Corwall where he emerged onto the land in Perranporth.
He settled in Cornwall, building an oratory promoting Christianity to the region. Legend goes that his first disciples were a bear, a badger, and a fox, hence many traditional St Piran’s Day celebrations see local children dressing as these animals for the parades.
St Piran’s flag is seen by many as the flag of Cornwall. It’s black background featuring a white cross is said to represent the story of how St Piran became the patron saint of tin; one day he discovered white tin pouring from a black smelting rock by his fire.
Events will be taking place across Cornwall this Saturday on St Piran’s Day. Parades are being held in the towns of Truro, Falmouth, and Perranporth as well as many others. There’s even a World Pasty Championship being held at the Eden Project.
If you can’t get to Cornwall to celebrate this weekend why not partake in a few Cornish delicacies from the comfort of your own home? Cream teas, pasties, Cornish Ale and Cider, not forgetting the delicious Cornish seafood available to buy right here.
