St Piran's Day started as one of the many tinners' holidays observed by the tin miners of Cornwall.

The miners of Breage and Germoe observed St Piran's feast day as that of their patron saint until at least 1764.

"[4] There is little description of specific traditions associated with this day apart from the consumption of large amounts of alcohol and food during 'Perrantide', the week leading up to 5 March.

The phrase 'drunk as a Perraner' was used in 19th century Cornwall to describe people who had consumed large quantities of alcohol.

[5] Parades and celebrations take place in a number of towns and cities including:[6] In 2006, Cornish MP Dan Rogerson asked the government to make 5 March a public holiday in Cornwall to recognise St Piran's Day celebrations.