When is St George’s Day 2025? Date Moved to 28 April

England’s patron saint takes a detour in 2025. While St George’s Day traditionally falls on 23 April — marking the date historians believe the saint was executed during the Diocletianic Persecution in 303 AD — the Church of England has moved this year’s observance to 28 April. The shift stems from a liturgical rule that bumps any feast day landing between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter to the following Monday.

Traditional Date: 23 April · 2025 Church of England Date: 28 April · Bank Holiday Status: No · Patron Saint Of: England · Date Moved Reason: Coincides with Easter Week

Has St George’s Day been moved in 2025?

Yes. The Church of England observes St George’s Day on 28 April 2025, not the traditional 23 April. The shift follows a rule in the Church of England’s Common Worship liturgy: when the feast falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter, it transfers to the Monday after that second Sunday. In 2025, Palm Sunday lands on 13 April and Ascension Sunday on 27 April, placing 23 April squarely within the restricted period.

Church of England announcement

According to the Church of England’s official guidance, if St George’s Day falls between either holy date, it is to be moved to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter — which is 28 April 2025. This same rule applies when St Mark’s Day (25 April) also falls in the Easter period; St Mark then shifts to the Tuesday after the transfer.

Reason for the shift

The Church observes no saints’ days during Holy Week or Easter Week, treating that period as liturgically reserved for the events of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. The transfer rule prevents any competing observances from diluting that focus.

Impact on celebrations

Church services will take place on 28 April. However, secular celebrations often proceed on 23 April regardless — a split between religious and civic observance that creates genuine confusion about when, if at all, to mark the day.

Is St George’s Day the same date every year?

Usually yes, but with regular exceptions. The traditional date of 23 April remains fixed — it commemorates St George’s martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution. However, Church of England calendars have transferred the feast multiple times when liturgical rules require it.

Traditional fixed date

The 23 April date has been observed since at least the medieval period, aligning with the saint’s traditional execution date. This holds true for Roman Catholic, Anglican, and many Eastern Orthodox traditions in non-Easter years.

Exceptions in 2025

Past transfers show this is not unusual. In 2011, the day moved to 2 May due to Holy Saturday overlap. In 2014 and again in 2025, it shifted to 28 April when Easter conflicts arose. The next time St George’s and St Mark’s Days will both require transfer is 2033.

Historical consistency

The pattern is consistent with Church of England policy: the feast moves when required by liturgical rules, not arbitrarily. The Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales follows a similar practice, having observed the day on 26 April in 2022 alongside the Church of England.

Why does England not celebrate St George’s Day?

England is notable among nations with patron saints for not granting its celebration a bank holiday. Ireland has embraced St Patrick’s Day, Scotland marks St Andrew’s Day, and Wales celebrates St David’s Day — but England’s national day passes with little official fanfare.

Comparison to St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day generates an estimated £140 million for the Irish economy annually, with parades, public events, and global recognition. The contrast is stark: St Patrick’s Day has become a commercial and cultural phenomenon, while St George’s Day rarely appears outside church calendars or small community events.

Cultural and historical factors

Several factors contribute to the muted observance. Unlike the single, universal celebration of St Patrick’s Day in Ireland, England’s relationship with St George is complicated by the saint’s international profile — he is also the patron of Palestine, Georgia, Portugal, and others. Additionally, the English flag’s association with problematic political movements has made some hesitant to embrace patriotic displays.

Calls for bank holiday

The St George’s Holiday campaign group has long advocated for public holiday status. Labour’s 2017 manifesto included a proposal for St George’s Day as a new bank holiday, though it never progressed to legislation. The campaign reported a 35% increase in celebrations during 2025 compared to the previous year — suggesting growing civic interest, even without official recognition.

What is St George’s Day?

St George’s Day marks the feast day of St George, the patron saint of England. The saint is traditionally associated with slaying a dragon — a symbol believed to represent his role as a protector of the Christian church during Roman persecutions.

History and significance

St George was a Roman soldier executed during the Diocletianic Persecution around 23 April 303 AD. His cult grew throughout the medieval period, and he became England’s patron saint during the reign of Edward III in the 14th century. The cross of St George — a red cross on white — remains the flag of England.

Countries that celebrate

Beyond England, St George’s Day is observed in Georgia (23 April and several Julian-calendar equivalents), Portugal, and among Palestinian Christians. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates on the first Monday after Easter, a different timing that occasionally aligns with or conflicts with Western observances.

Symbolism of St George

The dragon-slayer motif represents triumph over oppression — St George’s refusal to renounce Christianity under Roman rule, despite threats of execution. The red cross flag symbolises this martyrdom and protection.

What is traditionally eaten on St George’s Day?

St George’s Day lacks the culinary traditions of holidays like Christmas or Easter, but English foods and celebratory dishes are common at community events and family gatherings marking the occasion.

Traditional foods

Roast beef, lamb, and fish and chips appear at many St George’s Day celebrations — foods that evoke English identity. Pubs often run specials featuring British classics, and some communities organise street feasts with traditional recipes.

Modern celebration ideas

Campaign groups like St George’s Holiday recommend organising local events, flying the St George’s cross, and promoting English arts and crafts. The Greater London Authority hosts a secular event in Trafalgar Square for 2025, typically featuring live music, food stalls, and cultural activities.

Finger buffet suggestions

For parties or community gatherings, coronation chicken sandwiches, scotch eggs, pork pies, and scones with jam and cream fit the English theme without requiring formal sit-down dining.

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