SAINT GEORGE'S DAY!

Saint George Day in Catalonia.

Who was Saint George? (history)

He was born into a noble Christian family between about 275 AD and 285 AD. Saint George was a Roman soldier in the Guard of Emperor Diocletian. He is one of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox and Catholic churches. In the year AD 302, Diocletian issued an edict that every Christian soldier in the army should be arrested and every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Pagan gods, or become martyrs. So he was executed and later the Christian people turned him into a Saint (canonised). People tell a beautiful legend about Saint George and the slaying of the Dragon.

What happened on the 23rd of april?

• Shakespeare: Shakespeare died on the 23 April 1616

• Cervantes: cervantes died on the 23 April of 1616

In honour of the date on which both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare died, UNESCO established April 23 as the International Day of the Book.

Moreover, a lot of cities in the world celebrate this day, giving a present to his/her lover. A rose for women and a book for men.

How do we celebrate it here?

Saint George is the Patron Saint of Catalonia, and we celebrate the day because we believe in the legend of the Dragon and the Princess.

Catalan people give a present, a rose or a book to his or her lover.

How do people celebrate it all over the world?

In most of the countries that celebrate Saint George there are a lot of festivities:

Here are three examples:

In Belgium: In the heart of the city, there is a historical renactment (known as the “Combat dit Lumeçon”) of the fight between Saint Georges and the dragon.

In Bulgaria: A common ritual is to prepare and eat a whole lamb. St. George is the patron saint of farmers and shepherds.

In England: The UK Houses of Parliament also celebrate St. George's Day each year with a reception and other events, organised by the St.George's Day All Party Parliamentary Group.