- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- U.K.
- Date change rule:
- Every April 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏴
St. George’s Day recognizes England’s patron saint every April 23, commemorating the anniversary of his death in 303 AD. This special day is a chance to embrace English national identity, from flying the St. George’s Cross to celebrating cultural traditions. Discover how to honor this historical figure and his enduring legacy, and join in the festivities.
Want to sponsor St. George's Day? Learn how
Expected St. George's Day Deals
As a day of national recognition, St. George’s Day often sees a surge in events and appreciation programs rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the English Heritage and the National Trust host special historical reenactments and family activities. Pubs, such as those owned by Greene King or Wetherspoons, often feature traditional English food and drink specials. Retailers like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose might highlight British-made products. Look for local councils across England to organize parades and community gatherings. We will update this page with confirmed live events and initiatives as April 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for St. George's Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #StGeorgesDay. Share facts about English history or photos of local celebrations.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #StGeorgesDay. Post photos of English flags, traditional food, or historical sites.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #StGeorgesDay. Share community events or personal stories of English pride.
St. George's Day Hero
Saint George
History of St. George's Day
Immerse yourself in the grand tale of the knight, St. George, and his unforgettable battle against a dragon. St. George is the patron saint of England and his symbol is a red cross over a white backdrop — the same red cross incorporated into the flag of England. His emblem was brought to England by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century and was worn by the king’s soldiers in battles.
St. George was born in what is present-day Turkey. Following in his father’s steps, he became a soldier and quickly rose in the ranks of the Roman army, ending up as a personal guard to Emperor Diocletian. When the emperor ordered the persecution of Christians, St. George refused to follow his orders and participate in this. He was tortured and executed in 303 A.D. in Palestine, where he is now buried.
The story of St. George slaying a dragon is well-known. The town of Silene was captured by a dragon. The locals would offer a human sacrifice to the dragon every day. When St. George was visiting the town, a princess was chosen to be sacrificed. So he killed the dragon and saved the people of Silene. To express their gratitude, the locals converted to Christianity.
St. George’s Day celebrations were on par with Christmas once. But the excitement waned towards the end of the 18th century when England unified with Scotland on May 1, 1707. The holiday has gained traction in recent years, with campaigns and petitions to make the day a public holiday in England. St. George is also the patron saint of other countries like Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, and Russia. Apart from St. George’s Day, several other holidays are devoted to him, including April 23 and a few in November and December.
St. George's Day timeline
Saint George dies in the Diocletianic Persecution.
Saint George’s flag, the red-on-white cross, is used as the ensign of the Republic of Genoa likely as early as during the 10th century.
The declarations of the Province of Canterbury in 1415 and the Province of York in 1421 elevates the feast to a ‘double major’ and, as a result, work is prohibited and church attendance is mandatory on this day.
St. George's Day becomes a major feast and national holiday in England in the same league as Christmas.
How Businesses Can Celebrate St. George's Day
Local businesses can embrace St. George’s Day by showcasing English pride and heritage. Pubs and restaurants can offer special menus featuring classic British dishes, local ales, and themed decorations. Retailers might create window displays with the St. George’s Cross, promote British-made goods, or host small community events like quizzes. Cultural venues could organize talks or exhibitions on English history and folklore, inviting patrons to connect with the nation’s rich past.
St. George's Day FAQs
When is St. George's Day?
In 2027, St. George’s Day will be observed on Friday, April 23. This annual observance invites people across England and beyond to honor their patron saint and national identity.
Who was Saint George?
Often depicted as a dragon-slaying knight, Saint George is a historical figure whose life is shrouded in legend. He is believed to have been a Roman soldier of Greek origin who was executed for refusing to renounce Christianity, becoming a symbol of courage and virtue.
Is St. George's Day a public holiday in England?
Currently, St. George’s Day is not recognized as a national public holiday in England, unlike St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Campaigns periodically emerge to make it a bank holiday, but it continues to be a working day for most.
What is the legend of St. George and the Dragon?
The iconic story tells of Saint George rescuing a Libyan town from a ferocious dragon. After taming the beast with a maiden’s girdle, he slays it, leading to the conversion of the local population. This enduring myth has made St. George a timeless emblem of chivalry and faith.
St. George's Day Activities
Wear a rose
Why a red rose? Because according to legend, after saving a princess from the infamous dragon, St. George handed her a red rose. He was the ultimate dreamboat.
Fly the (English) flag
No, not the Union Jack. Try the St. George's Cross of England instead! There aren't many opportunities to let the English flag fly these days (unless you're a football fan), so seize the opportunity on St. George's Day.
Head to the capital
Every English city has its own St. George's Day festivities, but the main event happens in London. With its countless pubs (all flying the English flag), parades, shops, and massive fireworks display, London is the place to be on this most English of holidays.
5 Facts About St. George
St. George had some competition…
Edmund the Martyr, Edward the Confessor, and Gregory the Great were all contenders for becoming the country’s patron saint.
He is also linked to agriculture
St. George’s feast day takes place in spring, and his name means ‘earth-worker’ — in European history, people would pray to St. George for good tidings and harvest.
The Reformation had reservations
St. George was mocked as an improbable legend, but his story was kept alive and, to this day, hasn’t lost its appeal.
Patron saint for countries other than England
St. George is the patron saint of other countries as well, including Georgia and Portugal.
The legendary dragon
The dragon wasn’t always featured in St. George’s story — it may have started off as a metaphor for the triumph of good over evil, but evolved over time.
Why We Love St. George's Day
We're all British — for 24 hours
This day celebrates English culture. We can have a spot of tea, play polo, eat fish & chips, fly the English flag, and not worry about the consequences.
Worldwide holiday
Originally a religious feast day, St. George's Day happens across religions and countries, stretching from the Middle East to Russia, Central Europe, to the Iberian Peninsula.
Imagine dragons
According to a 1,000-year-old legend, St. George slayed a dragon and rescued a princess when he was serving as a soldier in the Roman army.
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