The National Day of England is on the 23rd April (St George’s Day, patron saint of England, not a bank holiday). The national day of England is called St. George’s Day. This is celebrated each year on the 23rd of April. St. George is the patron saint of England. This has been celebrated since the early 15th century.
National Day of England
Note however, unlike other countries such as the United States (National Day of America) or France (National Day of France), St. George’s Day is not a public holiday in England. You will note that Saint George was a Christian martyr who lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century AD. According to the legend, he was also a soldier in the Roman army who refused to renounce his Christian faith. Because of this he was subsequently tortured and executed for his beliefs.
Likewise St. George is also known for slaying a dragon. This is where popular image is associated with him. The story goes that he rescued a princess who was about to be sacrificed to the dragon, and he defeated the beast by using his faith and a spear.
Public Holidays in England
The public holidays in England are:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday (the date changes each year)
- Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday (the date changes each year)
- May Day – the first Monday in May
- Spring Bank Holiday – the last Monday in May
- Summer Bank Holiday – the last Monday in August
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Boxing Day – December 26th
St. David’s Day is celebrated on the 1st March is a specific public holiday in Wales, which celebrates the patron saint of Wales, St. David. This is however not a public holiday. Likewise St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th and the Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen’s Day on July 12th are specific public holidays in Northern Ireland. Accordingly there is also St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th is a specific public holiday in Scotland, which celebrates the patron saint of Scotland. In Scotland the 2nd of January is a public holiday much like South Africa. (National Day of South Africa).
