Apparently, one in five people don’t know when St. George’s Day is. Well, if you weren’t already aware, we can tell you it’s the 23rd April! Courtesy of us here at Geronigo HQ, here’s some facts that you may not know about the Patron Saint of England!
Unlike what you’d imagine, Saint George was actually not even from England – he never even stepped on English soil throughout his life either! He was in fact born in Cappadocia in 270 AD – now a part of modern day Turkey. Despite the fact he has no links to England, he was adopted in England after the story of him slaying a dragon and saving a princess was similar to an Anglo-Saxon legend!
After he refused to give up Christianity, Saint George was sentenced to death by beheading. This occurred in 303 AD on the 23rd April – widely believed to be the date his execution took place. Further down the line, this became known as Saint George’s Day – a celebration of the anniversary of his death. St. George was made the patron saint of England back in 1350 by Edward III. This happened when the Order of The Garter was founded that year. However, St. George isn’t just the patron saint of England, he’s actually the patron saint of many other countries too. This includes the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia, as well as countries including Lithuania, Greece, Portugal, and Russia. There’s even a country that’s named after him too – Georgia!
Now that you’ve found out all you need to know about the Patron Saint of England, it’s time to play your part in the celebrations! Here’s how you can do just that.
Treat Yourself To Some Traditional English Food and Drink
England is renowned for its plethora of national dishes – some of which the rest of the world might find rather odd. But, there’s plenty of foods that have been fuelling the nation for centuries, and don’t show any signs of going anywhere anytime soon! First up, there’s the humble fish and chips – you can’t go wrong with this, especially if you’re lucky enough to be close to the seaside!
Representing the cultural influence of India, curry has become a dish which is loved by those across the nation. Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular. Whilst St George’s Day may not fall on a Sunday this year, you could even consider a good old roast dinner – a favourite amongst the whole family!
Or, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, then why not treat yourself to some Eton Mess – you could even make it yourself if you’re feeling particularly creative! For something a little simpler, then you could even indulge in a scone or two!
Let’s not forget about drink, though! England is well known for its endless range of ales, with new brands and brews appearing all the time. It may be an acquired taste, but it’s the drink of choice for many up and down the country. If alcohol isn’t really your thing though, you could always treat yourself to the trusty cup of tea (with biscuits, of course!)
Take Part In Your Favourite Action Adventure Activity
Bubble Football
Fancy bending it like Beckham this Saint George’s Day? Then there’s no better way to do just that than at one of our Bubble Football venues spread up and down the country. In a hilarious twist of the beautiful game, you’ll be bashing and bouncing around the pitch to your heart’s content – with only your legs exposed! It won’t be easy, but you’ll need to do whatever it takes to earn victory over your rival team! Time to unleash your inner Alan Shearer and smash the ball in the back of the net!
Karting
Head on down to one of our epic Karting venues – zooming around one of our indoor or outdoor circuits just like Lewis Hamilton! Lewis even started on the karting track himself. So, you might just catch the racing bug and perhaps follow in his footsteps! With a wide range of epic circuits throughout the country, there’s sure to be a venue near you where you can obtain your need for speed!
Survival Skills
Come on down to one of our Survival Skills venues and you’ll soon find out if you have what it takes to call yourself a true survivor. Going back to basics, you’ll learn valuable skills which will see you withdrawn from modern-day essentials. Throughout your experience, your inner Bear Grylls will soon start to shine through as you build fires, construct shelters, and navigate your way through the woods.
Other Ways To Celebrate
Enjoy Shakespeare’s Works
English playwright William Shakespeare has influenced a countless number of people through his magnificent works which includes a whole host of tragedies and comedies. Even now, his influence can still be felt, with many adaptations of his works gracing our screens and appearing in theatres too. He was even believed to have been born and died on the same day as Saint George. So, why not visit Stratford-upon-Avon where you can take a tour of Shakespeare’s birthplace, or maybe watch one of the many adaptations of his works such as Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, or even 10 Things I Hate About You which is based on The Taming of The Shrew.
Attend a Parade
There’s bound to be a St George’s Day parade near you, so why not take part in the celebrations yourself? Taking to the streets, you’ll be able to indulge in English foods, don the Flag of Saint George, or even treat yourself to some storytelling, music, and dance! Make sure to keep an eye out for events in your local area so you don’t miss out!
Conclusion
There’s plenty of ways to celebrate St. George’s Day. Whichever way you choose, we’re sure that you’ll play your part in some way or another! From all of us here at Geronigo HQ, happy Saint George’s Day!