CymruWelsh

CymruWelsh refers to the people and culture of Wales and specifically to those who identify with the Welsh language and heritage. The term combines “Cymru,” the Welsh name for the country, with “Welsh,” an adjective used in English to describe the country’s language, culture, and inhabitants. Welsh identity is historically tied to a distinct Celtic language that has survived through centuries of political and cultural change. In the 21st century, a growing movement aims to revitalize and promote Cymraeg, the Welsh language, which is now protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Welsh people share a rich cultural tradition that includes folk music, literature, and sporting customs such as rugby union, which is particularly popular in the valleys and coastal towns. The National Eisteddfod, an annual festival of literature, music, and performance, remains a central event for the expression and celebration of Welsh language and culture. Education policy in Wales increasingly supports bilingual learning, with many schools offering instruction in both Welsh and English.

Religiously, Wales was heavily influenced by Nonconformist movements in the 18th and 19th centuries, which shaped broader social and political attitudes. The outcome of recent censuses shows that a significant minority of the Welsh population still speaks Welsh regularly, though proficiency varies by age group and region. The Welsh government has implemented policies to preserve cultural heritage, including funding for community media and support for the works of contemporary writers.