Hen Galan and Calennig – The Welsh Old New Year (13th January)

Hen Galan - Celebrating the Welsh Old New Year (13th January)

In a quiet valley of Pembrokeshire, New Year arrives a little later.

Hen Galan – literally Old New Year in Welsh – is a fascinating annual tradition still celebrated in the Cwm Gwaun valley of Pembrokeshire, West Wales on 13th January. While most of the world marks the New Year on 1st January, this remote Welsh community keeps alive a centuries-old custom tied to the Julian calendar.

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Why January 13th? The Julian vs. Gregorian Story

The date of Hen Galan stems from a piece of history: before 1752, Britain and its communities used the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar. In 1752, the UK officially switched to the Gregorian calendar, which corrected the Julian system’s seasonal drift, but the people of Cwm Gwaun chose not to adopt the new system. They continued celebrating New Year on the old calendar date, which now falls 13 days later than 1st January.

Calennig – The Heart of the Celebration

On Hen Galan, the valley comes alive early in the morning with children going door-to-door, offering traditional Welsh New Year songs and warm greetings in exchange for Calennig – small gifts such as sweets, money or treats.

A common Welsh song you might hear is:

“Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi,
Ac i bawb sydd yn y tŷ,
Dyma fy nymuniad i –
Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi.”

(Translation: “A happy New Year to you, And to everyone in the house, This is my wish – A happy New Year to you.”)

This ritual reflects centuries-old community spirit, aiming to bestow good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Community and Festivities

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 Unique Welsh Cultural Gem

Cwm Gwaun is a beautiful, wooded valley near Fishguard with a rich cultural identity. With a small population, the area’s dedication to preserving traditional customs like Hen Galan sets it apart from most other communities in the UK.

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.

FAQs

What is Hen Galan in Wales?
Hen Galan is the Welsh Old New Year, traditionally celebrated on 13th January in parts of rural Wales, especially Cwm Gwaun.

Why does Wales celebrate New Year on 13th January?
The date follows the old Julian calendar, which was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

What is Calennig?
Calennig refers to New Year gifts and the tradition of children singing door-to-door to welcome the year.