St. George's Day 2025 in the United Kingdom

St. George's Day, celebrated on April 23, honors England's patron saint, St. George, known for the legendary tale of slaying a dragon. It is a day of national pride marked by parades, church services, and the display of England's flag.

St. George's Day: A Public Holiday?

St. George's Day is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though some communities celebrate with parades, festivals, and traditional events.

St. George's Day is occasionally moved to a different date if April 23 falls during Holy Week or Easter, to avoid overlapping with these significant religious observances.

St. George's Day

St. George's Day, celebrated on April 23, honors St. George, a Christian martyr who became England's patron saint. St. George was a Roman soldier who, according to legend, courageously defeated a dragon to save a princess and symbolize the triumph of good over evil. While the story of the dragon is mythical, St. George's unwavering faith and bravery made him a symbol of chivalry and heroism. The day has been observed since the early 15th century, especially after the Order of the Garter, dedicated to St. George, was established in 1348.

St. George's Day Celebration in the UK

St. George's Day has a long history tied to English national identity. During the Middle Ages, the day was a significant feast and a time of celebration, with events like jousting tournaments and grand feasts. However, as England underwent religious and cultural changes, particularly after the Protestant Reformation, the day lost much of its prominence. By the 18th century, it was celebrated less widely, though a resurgence of interest in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has brought renewed awareness to the day. Some people have even campaigned for it to be made a public holiday.

Today, people across the UK celebrate St. George's Day with various traditional and cultural events. Parades featuring the Cross of St. George and re-enactments of the legendary dragon story are common in towns and cities. Churches often hold special services to honor St. George, and communities organize festivals with English music, Morris dancing, and traditional foods like roast beef and ale. In some places, people wear a red rose, the national flower of England, in St. George's honor.

The importance of St. George's Day lies in its celebration of English heritage, values, and pride. For many, it serves as a reminder of shared history and national identity, highlighting the courage and chivalry that St. George represents. The day brings communities together to reflect on the timeless virtues of bravery and service, making it a meaningful occasion for people who cherish England's cultural legacy.

St. George's Day Observances