St. George's Day is to honor St. George, the patron saint of England. It is a public holiday in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Although not widely observed in Canada, it holds significance for English communities and individuals with ties to England.

Table of Contents

1. When is St. George's Day?
2. The History of St. George's Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about St. George

When is St. George's Day?

St. George's Day is observed on the nearest Monday to April 23 in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. April 23 was believed to be the date of St. George's death.

The following is the list of St. George's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. George's Day? 

St. George was a Roman soldier and Christian martyr who lived during the 3rd century. His legendary slaying of a dragon symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

St. George's Day was established as a feast day in England in the 9th century, becoming widely celebrated by the 13th century. His veneration as a saint spread widely in medieval Europe, and he was declared the patron saint of England by the 14th century.

By the late Middle Ages, April 23 became a feast day to honor St. George. It symbolized English identity and values, celebrated with parades, feasts and church services.

St. George's Day traditions arrived in Canada during the colonial period with English settlers, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, where many immigrants hailed from England. The holiday became an expression of English culture and identity in Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador were among the earliest English colonies, with a strong cultural connection to England. St. George's Day became a way for settlers to maintain their cultural roots.

While St. George's Day was historically celebrated by English communities across Canada, its prominence diminished over time as English identity blended into Canada's multicultural fabric.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On St. George's Day, activities and celebrations vary depending on the region and community in Canada. The day is most notably observed in Newfoundland and Labrador, where it is recognized as a public holiday, but smaller celebrations occur elsewhere among individuals with English heritage.

Ceremonial events often feature the raising of the St. George's Cross, the red cross on a white background, which symbolizes St. George and England.

Communities organize speeches and gatherings that commemorate the historical and cultural significance of the day, as well as events celebrating English traditions, such as storytelling, traditional music and historical reenactments.

For many, St. George's Day is a time for attending services to honor the saint, reflect on his virtues and celebrate his role as a Christian martyr.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, where the day holds greater significance, there may be small parades, festivals or public gatherings. Festivities might include meals with English-inspired dishes

Families with English ancestry may use the day to share stories, explore family history or learn more about England's culture. Some people display the St. George's Cross or decorate their homes with red and white themes to mark the day.

Many residents use the day as a long weekend to relax, enjoy time with family or participate in local events.

More about St. George

St. George is one of Christianity's most venerated saints and the patron saint of England, as well as several other countries and regions, including Georgia, Ethiopia and Catalonia. His life is shrouded in legend, but he is celebrated as a symbol of bravery, faith and the triumph of good over evil.

St. George is believed to have been born in Cappadocia (now Turkey) around the 3rd century CE. He was a Roman soldier and a Christian during a time when the Roman Empire persecuted Christians.
St. George refused to renounce his faith and was martyred in 303 CE under the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

According to the tale, a dragon terrorized a town by demanding sacrifices, including human victims. St. George arrived in the town and fought the dragon, slaying it and saving the townspeople.
The story is often interpreted as a Christian allegory of good triumphing over evil, with St. George representing faith and virtue.