Saint George’s Day Celebrations in England

The patron saint of England has never received the attention given to St. Patrick of Ireland and other saints.

While Paddy’s Day is celebrated the world over, St. George is largely forgotten, even in England itself. For years, the English flag and its saint were associated with racism and far-right politics, shunned by the general population.

However, St. George is slowly being rehabilitated in the eyes of the English and St. George’s Day is receiving more attention each year. Although April 23 is not a national holiday, there are a number of events taking place in honor of England’s patron saint.

In London, the Mayor will be putting on a Feast of Saint George in Trafalgar Square, offering English food and free activities with a Shakespearean theme. Perhaps in an attempt to rehabilitate the reputation of English cooking, celebrity chefs will be in attendance to rustle up some traditional fare.

Across the country, similar events will be held in town squares and community centers, including Bristol, Bath and Manchester. It’s a great opportunity to sample some English food and beer as you watch one of the many parades roll by.

Tourists should not be alarmed by the prevalence of dragons; Saint George made his name by slaying a fire-breathing beast and the imagery remains strong today.