St Piran’s Day takes place on 5th March and is celebrated in Cornwall with festivals, parades and the flying of the St Piran’s flag. St Piran is one of the patron saints of Cornwall but is also the patron saint of tin miners. St Piran’s Day began as a holiday observed by the tin miners and generally involved the ‘perrantide’ festivities of eating and drinking rather a lot. These days there are still plenty of St Piran’s Day celebrations to enjoy, below is a selection of the events taking place this year.
Perrantide at Perranporth Beach
When: 1st March 2013 at 6pm & 3rd March 2013 at 2pm
Where: Perranporth beach
£: Free
What is it?
Legend has it that St Piran landed on the shores of Cornwall at Perranporth from Ireland. Every year this moment at re-enacted on Perranporth beach. He is welcomed by the giants of Perranporth School and by children dressed as tinners (tin miners) and bal maidens (mining women). ‘St Piran’ will parade through the village accompanied by music and banners to Perranporth Memorial Hall for a Ceilidh and refreshments.
On 3rd March at the dunes (Gear Sands) an annual Processional Play takes place to celebrate the Cornish saint. The play is organised by the St Pirans Trust.
£: Admission to the zoo costs 12.05 for adults, 9.30 for children, concessions 10.45 and family ticket 35. Children under 3 go free.
What is it?
Put your sporting talents to the test in Newquay Zoo’s annual pasty throwing competition. The winner will receive a box of pasties (yum)! You can also learn more about St Piran and the history of Cornwall by taking part in the special trail around the zoo.
A parade through Truro beginning at Waterfall Gardens and ending at High Cross outside the Cathedral takes place on the 5th March. The parade, led by a piper and the Town Cryer, will include local schools, musicians, clubs and societies. Once the parade arrives at High Cross there will be some special performances including the singing of Cornish songs.
Where: Redruth (at various places across the town)
£: Most events are free (there is a charge to watch the rugby match)
What is it?
Redruth holds a large St Piran’s festival each year. The day usually includes live music and dance, exhibitions, stalls, a procession and a special Rugby match. The day is suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
For those not able to get to Cornwall for the events, how about celebrating St Piran’s in London? Kernow in the City is a celebration of Cornish culture with comedy, music and of course some proper cornish pasties.
