Gwyl Mabsant – February 9, 2025

History of Gwyl Mabsant

Gŵyl Mabsant is a special rural festival that is observed every year in Wales. Gŵylmabsantau appears in historical writing as early as 1470. Several activities take place during the festival. Competitions can range from running races to old women’s grinning matches. There is also cockfighting, blindfolded wheelbarrow driving, betting, feasting, eating hot pudding, and alcohol consumption. Cockfighting requires birds to be trained specifically for the contest. The owner of the winning cockerel is held in high esteem. Large amounts of money are usually bet on the outcome of the cock fights. People also play Bando, which is a team sport that is similar to the modern game of field hockey. The teams strike a ball towards a goal using clubs. The game of fives is also played during the festival. The game is like a primitive form of squash. It often takes place against the church walls.

The unlicensed revelry and alcoholic over-indulgence commonly occurring at the festivals have raised some concerns. Some people have doubted the benefits of the games themselves. These concerns have been voiced since the 18th century, mostly by religious leaders.

Before 1752, the fair was reckoned by Saint’s Day according to tradition or to the official Catholic or Anglican Calendar of Saints. By the nineteenth century, the fair lasted between three days and a week. The rural nature of the fairs led to many variations in the rules of the contests. This usually started disagreements between parishes.