Everything you need to know about St George's Day 2025 – flag, dragon and traditions explained

Scottish Sun

23-04-2025

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SAINT George's Day is a day of celebration across England, as people celebrate the history of the country.
Normally celebrated on 23rd April each year, the date has been moved in 2025 for a very important reason.
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St George's Day is marked by many different exciting traditions
Credit: Getty Images
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Morris dancing is a big part of the St George's Day celebrations
Credit: Getty Images
The Story of St George
The real St George was a Roman soldier born in the 3rd century AD.
He was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith, making him a martyr and eventually leading to him being venerated as a saint.
England adopted St George as its patron saint in the 14th century during the reign of King Edward III.
He was chosen for his virtues of courage, honour, and chivalry, which resonated with medieval England.
However, as time went by, myths and legends began being built around St George.
The most famous tale about him follows his heroic rescue of a princess from a terrifying dragon.
According to the tale, villagers routinely fed sheep to a dragon which lorded over their town.
However, when they ran out of sheep, they decided to offer up their princess to the creature.
Riding past on his horse, St George decided to step in and killed the dragon - setting the villagers and the Princess free.
This story reached England in the 12th Century, during the Crusades, but actually dates all the way back to the 11th Century.
It was originally set in Cappadocia, Turkey, but was later transferred to Libya in later myths.
In the very first versions of the myth, which can be traced back to the 9th Century, St George's battle was actually attributed to St Theodore Trio.
St George is now also the patron saint of Ethiopia, Georgia, and Portugal, and cities such as Freiburg, Moscow and Beirut.
The St George's Flag
The St George's Flag has been associated with England since the Middle Ages.
GMB guest in furious row with Ed Balls and The Apprentice's Tom Skinner as they lock horns over St George's Day
It was originally used by English soldiers during the Crusades and later became part of the Union Jack, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland's flags.
The St George's Flag is a simple design consisting of a red cross on a white background.
The red cross is representative of St George's cross, and the white background symbolises peace.
Red was chosen as the colour of the iconic cross in order to represent bravery and strength.
St George's Day Traditions in the UK
St George's Day is one of the biggest celebrations on the UK calendar, with schools and churches across the country joining in the fun.
Traditional activities include parades, church services, and flag-waving ceremonies.
Some communities even host medieval fairs, complete with knights, reconstructions of the legendary dragon and storytelling.
Morris dancing and Punch and Judy shows are especially popular, as much of the day focuses on celebrating England's long history.
Pubs and restaurants also often offer themed menus and drinks.
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The day is often marked by a speech from the sitting Prime Minister
Credit: PA Media
St George's Day in 2025
In 2025, St George's Day will not fall on Wednesday, 23 April, as it usually does.
The holiday generally falls on the 23rd, as this is believed to have been the date of St George's death.
In 2025, The Church of England has moved the annual feast day to April 28 as no saint's day can take place a week before or after Easter.
Easter Sunday fell on April 20 in 2025.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer chose to recognise St George's Day on April 23, despite the move, with a stirring speech.
He said: 'Yet now – we can see people trying to sow division in our communities.
"People taking the red and white of our flag with them as they throw bricks at businesses.
'That is what happened last year – in the riots.
"And we must fight it.
"Because it was the aftermath of the riots that showed what it means to be English.
'It marked the coming together of a country.
"People who got together the morning after, all across Britain.
"With shovels, brooms, and brushes, to clean up their communities.
'Rebuilding walls, repairing damage.
"It's in that spirit that we reclaim our flag for our country.
"For English decency, honour and fairness.
'Wrench it out of the hands of those who want to divide this nation.
"And reclaim it for good.'
St George's Day has been recognised as a national holiday in England since the early 15th century, though it is not recognised as a bank holiday.