Brits celebrate St George’s Day to honor St. George, who is the patron saint of England. According to legend, St. George was a Roman soldier who killed a dragon and saved a princess, which is why he is often depicted on horseback slaying a dragon. He was executed for his beliefs in AD 303 and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

St. George’s Day is celebrated on April 23, which is believed to be the day he was executed. The day has been celebrated by the English since the medieval period and was especially popular during the reign of King Edward III, who established the Order of the Garter, a chivalric order named after the saint.

Over the centuries, St. George’s Day has been overshadowed by other national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, but it has seen a resurgence in recent years as people have sought to reclaim their English identity and cultural heritage. Today, St. George’s Day is often celebrated with parades, flag-waving, and other patriotic events.

Celebrations of St George’s Day often include flying the St George’s Cross flag, holding parades, festivals, and reenactments. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in celebrating the day, though it is not widely recognized as a national holiday in England, and celebrations tend to be more informal and community-based rather than nationwide public events. The day serves as a source of pride and unity for English people, offering an opportunity to celebrate English heritage, culture, and traditions.

It’s worth noting that while St. George is the patron saint of England, he is also the patron saint of several other countries, including Georgia, Lithuania, and Russia, among others.