Learn about the cultures and sights to see in Wales

A forgotten place, many people dismiss Wales as part of the UK. I am surprised as to why. Wales is such a beautiful country; the views are astonishing, and the culture is thriving. I am a proud Welsh citizen. The countryside is bold with colour, the city rich in character, we have it all.

Born in Cardiff's capital city, I have so much to share about Wales. I still have so many places to explore, only having been to the majority of the south of the country. Wales thrives with nature, the stereotypical countryside, mountains, lakes, and rivers. There is beauty within the small country.

Wales has offered the world many things with many well-known names like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Gareth Bale, and Sir Tom Jones OBE. Many may need to realize those Welsh mistaking them for English, including Taron Edgerton, Michael Sheen, Luke Evans, Bonnie Tyler, Tom Ellis, Ioan Gruffudd, Roald Dahl, and so many more.

Home to some fantastic sights, Wales possesses Snowdonia National Park, Principality Stadium, many charming castles (Cardiff, Conwy, Caernarfon, Pembrokeshire, Fonmon- an excellent choice for children), Pen y Fan, National Trust- Bodnant Garden are just some of the lively places that the country holds.

Wales has some remarkable cultures and traditions, often heavily celebrated in primary schools and the north of the country. The Eisteddfod is a celebration festival with performing arts competitions such as music, poetry, and other craft activities.

Celebrating St David's is a must for the Welsh. During this period, children dress in traditional Welsh costumes or Welsh-themed outfits from sports or proudly wear the colors of our phenomenal flag. Decorating with daffodils and leaks and baking Welsh cakes are all common customs on the day of the patron saint of Wales.

In 2020 and 2021, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out OF Here! was filmed in Gwrych Castle in North Wales instead of its usual location in Australia due to the COVID pandemic. Many people weren't fans of the new site, but seeing it from a different perspective was interesting. Wales has been featured in many TV Series that many of you will know, including Gavin & Stacey, Doctor Who, Sex Education, and The Crown, with other features of filming sites from Sherlock Holmes and Merlin.

The Welsh language is Celtic but not a very popular language spoken in Wales. The GOV website reports that not even a quarter of the Welsh population speaks the language, which has decreased since 2011. Many people in the country hope to get the language spoken more frequently; it is taught in schools with options to learn outside.

Many would say Welsh cakes are the heart of cuisine in the country, but with many other options on the table, which takes your fancy?

Options include Bara Brith, a traditional tea bread with a mix of dried fruits, and Cawl, which can be said to be a soup/broth/stew, depending on the ingredients. Welsh rarebit is like your usual cheese on toast with a bit of a twist- cheese is melted to a sauce with a mix of ale and often mustard; some use Worcestershire sauce with a blend of herbs and spices.

Born and raised in Wales, seeing the country's beauty will never get old. Take a visit to one of the places mentioned or have a look at some destinations that may fit your desire.

© Aimee-Michelle O’Connor 2023