Hen Galan - Calennig - New Year 13th January
Celebrating the New Year... in January?
Summary
For most of the world, New Year's celebrations are over by the time January 1st rolls around. But for a small, charming community in a remote corner of West Wales, the party is just getting started. In the scenic valley of Cwm Gwaun, residents keep a centuries-old tradition alive by celebrating Hen Galan - the Old New Year - on January 13th.
So, why the delay?
Wales Eclectic - Browse ALL Welsh Interest Articles
Browse TirGlas Online Shop
Have a look around
The Story of Two Calendars
The people of Cwm Gwaun follow the Julian calendar, named after Julius Caesar, which was the standard across Europe until it was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The new calendar, approved by Pope Gregory XIII almost two centuries earlier, corrected a scientific flaw in the Julian calendar. The old system was based on a solar year that was slightly too long, causing the calendar to gradually fall out of sync with the seasons.
While most of Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar, the tight-knit community of Cwm Gwaun and the surrounding villages of Pontfaen and Llanychaer refused to change. They saw no reason to abandon their traditions and, as a result, continue to celebrate New Year's on January 13th, a full 13 days after everyone else.
Hen Galan Traditions
The day begins with children going door-to-door, singing traditional Welsh songs in exchange for Calennig, or New Year's gifts, which are typically sweets or money. One of the most common songs they sing is:
Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi (A happy new year to you) Ac i bawb sydd yn y tŷ (And to everyone in the house) Dyma fy nymuniad i (This is my wish) Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi (A happy new year to you)
After the Calennig tradition, the community gathers for a festive meal and a visit to the legendary Dyffryn Arms, affectionately known as Bessie's Pub, which has been in the same family since 1840. Historically, Hen Galan was an even bigger celebration than Christmas, with roast turkey or goose dinners as the centrepiece.
Cwm Gwaun - A Hidden Gem
The Gwaun valley is a narrow, wooded area that feels like a world away, even though it's close to the town of Fishguard. Formed by a massive geological event at the end of the last Ice Age, the valley is a V-shaped channel carved by melting glaciers. It's an area known for its beautiful woodlands, diverse wildlife, and the ancient traditions that continue to thrive within its remote beauty.
With a population of around 350 people, Cwm Gwaun is a small community, yet it's rich in history and culture. The valley also boasts a local school, a micro-brewery, and, of course, the vibrant spirit of a community dedicated to preserving its unique heritage. While the rest of Wales welcomes the New Year with fireworks on December 31st, Cwm Gwaun keeps a special tradition alive, proving that some things are worth waiting for.
