Brits often focus on the many talents of the English, the stunning landscapes of Scotland, or the folk music of Northern Ireland, leaving Wales feeling neglected. That’s not fair–Wales has so much to offer. Here are 18 things the Welsh do better than anyone else.
Choral Singing
Wales is renowned for its choral singing, with Rick Steves explaining that choirs are found in nearly every town and village. The passion and skill displayed in Welsh choirs create powerful performances that are deeply moving and unmatched elsewhere. If you’ve not heard one, you need to make a visit as soon as possible.
Eisteddfod Festivals
One of Wales’ most famous festivals is The Eisteddfod, a festival celebrating literature, music, and performance. It’s a true staple of Welsh culture, filled with competitions and performances, highlighting the country’s dedication to preserving and promoting its artistic heritage.
Welsh Cakes
Sweet snacks don’t get much better than Welsh Cakes; these traditional griddle cakes, made with flour, butter, sugar, and dried fruit, are a beloved treat in the North and South equally. Their unique flavour and texture make for a culinary delight that few can replicate with the same authenticity, so don’t miss trying them when you visit.
Rugby Passion
In Wales, Rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a national obsession. The sheer enthusiasm with which the Welsh support their rugby teams create an unparalleled atmosphere in stadiums, making every match a memorable experience. Many English people can only wish to have some Welsh players on their team someday.
Castles
Another thing the Welsh do better than anyone else is castles, which is saying something, considering how many castles there are in the other UK nations. Amazingly, Wales boasts more castles per square mile than any other country, each with its own story, reflecting the country’s rich past and offering breathtaking views and fascinating insights into medieval life.
Welsh Language
Despite global trends of obscure languages falling out of use, the Welsh language has been successfully revived and is widely spoken. The dedication to preserving and promoting Cymraeg showcases the strong sense of identity and pride that the Welsh have in their cultural heritage, but let’s be real–there are simply not enough vowels in this language.
Harp Music
Often accompanied by a Welsh choir, the harp holds a special place in Welsh music culture, and the country has produced some of the world’s finest harpists. The enchanting sounds of the harp, often heard in traditional Welsh music, captivate audiences and highlight the instrument’s significance in Welsh heritage.
Storytelling
Wales has a rich tradition of storytelling, with myths and legends passed down through generations. The captivating tales of dragons, giants, and other mythical creatures are told with such passion and skill that they continue to enchant listeners of all ages.
National Parks
Head up North, and the natural beauty of Wales will blow you away, especially those showcased in its three national parks: Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast. The Welsh commitment to preserving these stunning landscapes ensures that they remain pristine and accessible for all to enjoy, so make use of them.
Sheep
When an English person is taking the mickey out of a Welshperson, you can make bets that they’ll bring up sheep. While this animal is certainly a source of humour in the country, take a drive up North, and you’ll see why–Welsh sheep are everywhere, dotting the country’s beautiful landscapes with white, fluffy balls.
Cawl
A traditional Welsh stew made with lamb and vegetables, cawl is a comforting and hearty dish that epitomises Welsh home cooking. The rich flavours and simplicity of this dish reflect the country’s agricultural heritage and culinary traditions, and you certainly won’t find it outside of the borders.
Literature
Wales has a long and proud literary tradition, with poets and writers celebrated for their contributions to both Welsh and English literature. The country’s dedication to nurturing and promoting literary talent is evident in the numerous festivals and awards honouring Welsh authors, which is great to see.
National Dress
The traditional Welsh costume, often seen during national celebrations, reflects the country’s cultural heritage. The distinctive attire, including the iconic tall black hat worn by women, is a symbol of national pride and identity. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, it’s time that you made a trip to this fantastic country.
Folk Dancing
You just can’t be Welsh folk dancing, which is a vibrant and lively tradition that brings communities together. The intricate steps and energetic movements, often performed to traditional music, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and love of dance. You’ll no doubt find it at a local Eisteddfod festival, so get on over to one.
Love Spoons
While the concept of “Love spoons” is undeniably confusing, it’s actually a beautiful tradition of carving spoons, dating back centuries in Wales. These intricately carved wooden spoons, given as tokens of affection, reflect the craftsmanship and romantic customs unique to Welsh culture. If you ever receive one as a gift, you know that a Welsh person appreciates you.
Rain
Along with the ubiquitous presence of sheep, rain is also a big part of Wales’ image. Whether you love it or hate it, it really is undeniably–it seems to rain just about every day of the year in Wales, even more than in Scotland, and that’s saying something.
Dylan Thomas
As we mentioned earlier, the Welsh are famous for their incredible poets and contributions to Welsh and English poetry, and writer Dylan Thomas played a huge part in this. His work is a source of immense pride in Wales, capturing the essence of Welsh life and landscape beautifully, so if you’d like to know more about how it is to be Welsh, check out some Thomas poems.
Warm Hospitality
Above all, there’s simply no denying the amazing hospitality of Wales, which is renowned for its warmth and friendliness. Visitors to Wales often remark on the welcoming nature of the Welsh, making the country a delightful destination where everyone feels at home.