St. George’s Day Moved: Why England’s National Day Was Shifted in 2025

In an unexpected shift, St. George’s Day 2025 will not be celebrated on its traditional date of April 23. Due to a rare calendar clash with Easter Week, the Church of England has officially moved the national observance to Monday, April 28, leaving many surprised and curious about the change.

England’s National Day Takes a Detour from Tradition

For those proudly preparing to wave the St. George’s Cross on April 23, 2025, this year’s St. George’s Day has a surprise twist. Celebrated annually to honour England’s patron saint, St. George, the day is typically marked by parades, pub festivities, and cultural pride. However, in a rare break from tradition, this year’s celebrations have been officially moved to Monday, April 28.

This shift, although surprising to many, is not without precedent. According to Church of England rules, when St. George’s Day falls during Holy Week or Easter Week, it must be rescheduled to the following Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter. This ecclesiastical guideline, designed to maintain the sacred sequence of Easter observances, means that national traditions occasionally have to follow suit.

Who Was St. George and Why Is He Celebrated?

St. George is best known for the legend of slaying a dragon, a tale that symbolises bravery, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. Though not born in England, St George was adopted as the nation’s patron saint by King Edward III in 1350 when he established the Order of the Garter—England’s most prestigious order of chivalry. St. George became a symbol of valour, loyalty, and protection, values that the English crown sought to represent globally.

When Tradition Meets Theology: Why the Date Moved

The Church of England issued the following clarification:

“When St. George’s Day or St Mark’s Day falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter inclusive, it is transferred to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter.”

In 2025, April 23 falls within that range, resulting in the transfer of St.George’s Day to April 28. The last time this happened was in 2019, marking this as a rare but established occurrence.

How St. George’s Day is Celebrated in England

Despite the date change, celebrations across England will remain spirited. St. George’s Day has traditionally been honoured with:

• Church services
• Community parades
• Traditional English fare like Sunday roasts and ales
• Morris dancing and folk performances
• People dressing in red and white to display the St. George’s Cross

In some towns and villages, people even reenact the famous dragon-slaying scene, especially for children.

Downing Street Reception: A New Era of Patriotism

Adding a modern dimension to this year’s celebrations, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a St. George’s Day reception at Downing Street. This marked a first for a UK Prime Minister.

The event celebrated “the very best of our nation’s music, culture, and sport,” and aimed to reinforce the role of modern patriotism in improving the lives of working people. It also honored key public sector workers from the NHS and police forces, connecting national pride with civic duty and social responsibility.

St. George’s Day in a Changing England

While the dragon-slaying hero’s story is steeped in ancient legend, the way England celebrates St. George’s Day is evolving. From ecclesiastical adjustments to political recognition and modern cultural integration, the feast day continues to reflect the spirit of a changing nation—one that embraces both tradition and transformation.

So if you’re wondering why things feel a bit off this year—you’re five days early. But not to worry, the celebrations are only postponed, not canceled. Mark your calendars for Monday, April 28, and let the red and white fly proudly once again.