Croeso! This Welsh Museums Festival, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new resource that celebrates the lighter side of Welsh history – the History of Hwyl booklet, written by poet Aneirin Karadog. 

Over 50 museums are taking part this October half term, between 25 October and 2 November, many of which will have this booklet available for visitors free of charge. 

What’s Inside?

‘Hwyl’ (pronounced ‘hoo-il’) is a uniquely Welsh word meaning fun, joy, or enthusiasm. The booklet takes young visitors on a journey through Wales’ funtastic festivals, from the Mari Lwyd’s playful New Year battles of wit to the National Eisteddfod where poets compete for the Chair. It explores Welsh culinary traditions like Welsh cakes and Bara Brith, the cynghanedd poetry tradition that inspired Dylan Thomas, and wild old Welsh sports like Bando and Car Gwyllt (possibly the world’s earliest roller coaster!).

The booklet includes fun activities for different ages: a dot-to-dot puzzle revealing the Mari Lwyd, a maze to help the poet win the Chair, a cynghanedd poetry challenge, and a design-your-own-cake section.

Why It Matters

This week marks the anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, one of the darkest days in Welsh history. As we remember the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives on 21 October 1966, we’re reminded why museums must tell the full story of our past – both the tragedies that shaped us and the joy that sustained us.

History isn’t just about what people endured, but also about how they thrived and found moments of happiness. By exploring the ‘hwyl’ in Welsh history, children discover their ancestors weren’t just survivors, they were people who created festivals, invented games, wrote poetry, and found countless ways to celebrate life. From cakes invented in coal mines to festivals that kept spirits high, we paint a fuller, more human picture of the past.

Find your nearest participating museum and let the celebrations begin!

#WalesHistoryTrails #FeelTheHwyl #YearOfCroeso