Saturday 4th March 2023 - Dolau inn, Mochdre, Powys
St David's Day, celebrated on March 1st, is an important day in Welsh culture, so on Saturday 4th March, as customary, the Dolau Inn hosted the Annual St Davids Day Cawl Supper on behalf of the Mochdre Community Association.
The event was well attended and a great evening was had by all.
Traditionally, it is the feast day of St David, the patron saint of Wales, and is a time for celebrating Welsh heritage and traditions. One of the most popular ways to celebrate St David's Day is by hosting a cawl supper gathering, a traditional Welsh meal that is perfect for bringing friends and family together.
The Traditional Cawl Supper
Cawl is a hearty stew that has been a staple of Welsh cuisine for centuries. The basic ingredients include lamb or beef, root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips, and leeks. The dish is slow-cooked for hours, allowing the flavours to meld together and create a rich, savoury broth.
To prepare for the cawl supper gathering, the host or hostess will spend hours cooking the stew and preparing the traditional accompaniments, such as fresh bread, cheese, and Welsh cakes. The guests will arrive in the evening, bringing with them their own contributions to the meal, such as wine or dessert.
As everyone gathers around the table, the air is filled with the aroma of the cawl. The first course is often a bowl of the hot, steaming stew, served with crusty bread and butter. As everyone begins to eat, there is a sense of warmth and togetherness that fills the room.
„Emma Jones enjoying the St David's Day celebrations at the Dolau Inn.“
After the first course is finished, the conversation turns to stories of Welsh history and traditions. Guests may share tales of their own families and their connections to Wales. Some may even break out into song, singing traditional Welsh hymns or folk songs.
As the night wears on, the meal continues with cheese and Welsh cakes, accompanied by glasses of wine and laughter. The cawl supper gathering is not just a meal, but a celebration of Welsh culture and community. It is a time to come together with loved ones and honour the traditions of a proud and ancient people.
