St George's Day is celebrated on 23rd April each year. It's also a good time to think about one of England's most famous men, William Shakespeare, who was not only born on 23rd April 1564 but also died on 23rd April 1616.
St George (famous for slaying the dragon) is the patron saint of England. He was a Roman soldier who protested against the Roman torture of Christians, and was killed for his beliefs. He is most famous for the story of his fight against the dragon.
Sant Jordi (St George) was named the patron saint of Catalonia in 1456, although he had been venerated here from the eighth century.
For this festival it is traditional to give a rose and a book to one you love. The tradition of giving a rose comes from the medieval custom of celebrating a Rose Fair in Barcelona. April 23rd is the day when William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, very significant writers, died, both in 1626. So, Spain’s Day of the Book was changed in 1930 from October 7th to this date.
- On-line activities about Saint George: ESOL Courses.
- To listen to the story of Saint George and read the text: Storynory.
