Gulf Coast St. David’s Welsh Society
Wales flag
Daffodils are the national flower of Wales
The leek has been a symbol of Wales for hundreds of years. St David, the patron saint of Wales, told Welsh soldiers to wear the leek on their helmets, so they could better spot each other when in battle against the Saxons who wore similar armour. The tactic worked and secured the Welsh army a great victory.
Cardiff Bay Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Photo by Peyton Wells on Unsplash
The Gulf Coast St. David's Welsh Society of Sarasota, Florida, was established in 1984 to celebrate St. David's Day on March 1. This volunteer organization is comprised of people of Welsh Heritage, Welsh citizens who live in or visit Sarasota, and people who love Wales and its music. The Society hosts a picnic in the fall, an Annual Meeting in January, a St. David's Day Celebration on March 1, and informal gatherings. Committee meetings as well as activities are open to all. Annual membership is $10 per person. If you have any questions, email us at sarasotawelsh@gmail.com. All are welcome.
Upcoming Events
RINGLING EVENING: Members and friends of the Welsh Society will meet by the Circus Museum at the Ringling estate at the junction of Route 41 (Tamiami Trail) and University Parkway by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday evening Decemmber 4. Bring any new toy to donate. Here is the notice:
"The 2025 Sarasota Toys for Tots "Holiday Splendor" event at The Ringling is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. It is an annual tradition where you bring a new, unwrapped toy to receive free admission to the museum grounds, Ca' d'Zan, Circus Museum, and art galleries, while supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's toy drive for local children in Sarasota and Manatee counties." Without a toy to donate, admission for the evening is $15.
JANUARY'S WELSH SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING AND "GYMANFA GANU": Mark your new 2026 January calendar for Saturday afternoon, January 17th for a combination Annual Meeting, "Gymanfa ganu" Songfest and "Te Bach" afternoon tea at the meeting rooms of Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota (just off GulfGate Dr., west of Beneva Rd.)
NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF WALES:
Many of us have enjoyed these wonderful gatherings over the years. You may compete of course, but most of us go to enjoy the programs, concerts, socializing, singing, and touring the different host communities. This year's festival will be in Springfield, Massachusetts September 2-6, 2026
Annual Membership Dues
Our $10 per person dues are now being received by our Treasurer. Make your check payable to: Gulf Coast St. David's Welsh Society and send it to P.O. Box 19343, Sarasota, Florida 34276.
You may pay your dues @
$10 per adult at any time to:
The Treasurer
Gulf Coast St David's Welsh Society
PO Box 19343
Sarasota, FL 34276
Checks should be made payable to:
The Gulf Coast St. David's Welsh Society
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,
gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O budded i'r hen iaith barhau.