Gŵyl Mabsant

Traditionally in Wales, every parish would celebrate a Gŵyl Mabsant (Holiday of a Patron Saint) in commemoration of its patron saint. This annual celebration developed from a dedication through prayer to a programme of recreational activities. Owing to the combination of betting, feasting and alcohol consumption, parish festivals built-up a reputation for their rowdiness. As many sports were localised activities, rules usually differed from place to place, leading to disagreements between parishes.

Customs

• Cockfighting: Birds were specially trained for the contest, and the owner of a victorious cockerel was held in high esteem; large amounts of money could be wagered on the outcome of the fights.
• Grinning Matches (for Old Women)
• Eating Hot Pudding
• Bando: A team sport, similar to the modern game of hockey and teams used clubs to strike the ball towards a goal. It continued in some areas until the late 19th century and was particularly popular in Glamorgan.

References

• "Gŵyl Mabsant"; by T. Llew Jones. In: Llafar Gwlad (Winter, 1997), pp. 10-11; (Spring, 1998), pp. 8-9.
• "Festivals and social structure in early modern Wales"; by Richard Suggett. In: Past & Present, vol. 152, (August, 1996), pp. 79-112.