Dancing is a popular pastime in Wales; traditional dances include folk dancing and clog dancing.

The first
mention of dancing in Wales is in a 12th-century account by Giraldus Cambrensis, but by the 19th
century traditional dance had all but died out; this is attributed to the influence of Nonconformists and
their belief that any physical diversion was worthless and satanic, especially mixed dancing. These
ancient dances, orally passed down, were almost single-handedly rescued by Lois Blake (1890 ÷ 1974)
who recorded them in numerous instruction pamphlets, recording both steps and music.

Much Welsh literature is unknown outside the borders of the principality. Welsh Culture &
Traditions
There are many great traditions of Wales, but three stand out that make it culturally distinct from its neighbors: the Eisteddfod, the
Noson Lawen and the Cymanfa Ganu. Of these, the Eisteddfod is probably the most ancient and certainly the most popular. Most
towns and villages conduct an annual Eisteddfod in one way or another. It is simply a competition, but the word translates as a
"Chairing," with the winner being awarded a chair upon which he is ceremoniously crowned to great acclaim. Winners of local
eisteddfodau (pl) go on to compete on a county or regional level, eventually reaching the Royal National Eisteddfod of
Wales (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru ) in which they compete with others from all parts of the country. The "National" is the
largest folk festival in Europe: held in a different town the first week in August each year. Alternating between a venue in South
Wales one year and North Wales the next, it draws vast crowds to enjoy its week-long activities.