F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can I expect from marching with The Welsh Dragons?

Nothing but fun, excitement, friendship and a day to remember.

How much time or preparation will I need to spend with The Welsh Dragons?

Give us much or as little time as you want. Simply join us 1 hour before the parade, march with us, then leave. Or you might want to help us preparing our entry in the Mardigras Workshop for a few hours, spend time talking to The Press or socialise with us in bars or restaurants before or after The Parade.  

Do I have to be Welsh to parade with The Welsh Dragons?

It helps if you are Welsh or have a Welsh ancestral connection, however, it is NOT a requirement. You need only have an appreciation and respect of Welsh culture.

Do I have to be a gay person to parade with the Welsh Dragons?

Absolutely not ! You must however have a respect for gay people and the essence of Mardigras and that gay people don't want special treatment, only equal treatment.

Most of your pictures feature only men marching with The Welsh Dragons? Is it men only?

Absolutely not. We welcome men, women and transgendered to march with us. At the moment women and transgendered are underrepresented and we are eager to create a better balance.  

Can I bring my friends to march with me?

Absolutely, please bring as many friends as you want.

What do I have to wear in The Parade?

Wear comfortable clothing. Wear clothing that reflects your personality or create a Mardigras costume.  We ask that you consider using red, white and green colours of the Welsh flag in what you wear.

How can I express my interest in joining you in The Parade?

Email us. 

Can you explain why there's a dragon on your flag?

The origins of Wales' flag, a red dragon on a green and white field, are lost in legend but may derive from Roman custom, a dragon having been the emblem of the cohort. In post-Roman times, legend warriors sometimes became known as 'dragons'. Arthur's father was Uther Pendragon, the 'chief dragon', and legend tells that he had a vision of a fiery dragon, interpreted by his seers as a sign that he would mount the throne. Legend tells too of the struggle between the red dragon of Wales and the white dragon of England, foretelling the victory of the former. A tradition that was fostered by the bards and made true by Henry Tudor whose standard was a red dragon. As Henry VII he incorporated the Welsh dragon in the Royal Arms, where it remained until James I displaced it in favour of the Scottish Unicorn. In 1901, however, the red dragon was officially recognized as the Royal Badge of Wales, and in 1959 the Queen commanded that the red dragon on its green and white field should be the Welsh flag.

What is the population of Wales?

The population in the 1991 census was 2,813,500 ,in the 2000 census the population was 2,946,200, in the 2009 census the population was 3,136,000.

How many people in Wales can speak Welsh?

According to the 1997 census the percentage of people in Wales who could speak Welsh was 20.5% of the population.

On 12th May 1999 a Welsh Government was formed, naturally with a pro Wales and Welsh language agenda.

For the year ending 30 June 2019 the Annual Population Survey reported that 29.6% of people aged three and over were able to speak Welsh.

There are Welsh speakers in other countries:

England: 110,000 (2001, estimated)
 Argentina: 1,500-5,000
 Canada: L1,<3,885
 United States: ~2,235 (2009–2013) (2017)

Do any of "The Welsh Dragons" speak Welsh?

Yes, on the 2005 parade , many of us !