Gool Peran Lowen!

Happy St Piran’s day! Today is the national day of Cornwall which is named after the patron saint of Cornwall (and of tin miners), St Piran (or Peran). The day was originally a ‘tinners holiday’, and was celebrated by Cornish tin miners. The more modern approach to St Piran’s day, that it should be observed as a national day for Cornish people started in the late 19th century by Celtic revivalists.

Who was St Piran? St Piran was an Irish bishop who traveled to Cornwall in the 6th centry, after being exiled from Ireland after others had grown envious of his healing abilities. Some say that he was thrown into the sea, attached to a millstone, but miraculously managed to sail safely down to Cornwall and arriving at a small beach near Newquay, which is now named Peran beach after him. It was here that St Piran built his small chapel which the remains of can still be seen to this day. St Piran was known all over Cornwall, due to his discovery of Tin.

Ever since the revival of Celtic traditions, St Piran’s day celebrations have remained widely popular across Cornwall, with marches, festivals and other events happening every year on the 5th March. Various events also take place during the week leading up to St Piran’s day, this is known as ‘Perantide’.

The St Piran’s (Cornish) flag © 2024 Days Of The Year | St Piran as depicted in Truro Cathedral © Historic UK Ltd