Saint George's Day
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Saint George's Day, celebrated on April 23, is the feast day of Saint George, the legendary Roman soldier and Christian martyr who has become one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. Saint George is the patron saint of England, Georgia, Portugal, Catalonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Russia, and numerous other countries and cities. His fame largely derives from the medieval legend of Saint George and the Dragon, in which he rescues a princess by slaying a dragon and converts an entire kingdom to Christianity. The historical Saint George was a Roman soldier in the Praetorian Guard who was executed around 303 CE during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. According to tradition, George refused to renounce his Christian faith despite facing torture and was ultimately beheaded. His martyrdom took place in Nicomedia or possibly in Lydda (modern-day Lod, Israel), where his tomb became a pilgrimage site. In England, Saint George's Day has been celebrated since the 13th century and serves as the country's national day.
History
Saint George was likely born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) to a Christian family. He joined the Roman army and rose to the rank of tribune. When Emperor Diocletian issued an edict persecuting Christians in 303 CE, George denounced the decree and professed his faith publicly. After refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods, he was tortured extensively according to hagiographic accounts, being lacerated on a wheel of swords, cast into quicklime, and forced to run in red-hot shoes. He was ultimately beheaded on April 23, 303. The dragon legend first appeared in the 11th century through crusader accounts and was popularized in the 13th century by Jacobus de Voragine's 'Golden Legend.' Saint George's cult spread throughout Europe following the Crusades. He was named patron saint of England in 1222 by the Council of Oxford. King Edward III founded the Order of the Garter under Saint George's patronage in 1348. The saint's red cross on a white background became the flag of England.
How It's Celebrated
Saint George's Day is marked by various customs depending on the region. In England, the day is observed with parades, church services, and flying the St. George's Cross flag. Traditional English foods such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are often served, and Morris dancers perform in town squares. In Catalonia, the day is celebrated as La Diada de Sant Jordi, a romantic festival where men give roses and women give books to their loved ones. In Bulgaria and Georgia, the day is a major national celebration with feasts and folk traditions. In the Middle East, Christians visit the Monastery of Saint George in Lod, Israel. Many wear red roses in their lapels, a symbol associated with the saint.