You don’t need chainmail to join in. The most visible tradition is wearing a red rose on your lapel. Shakespeare’s play Henry V famously links the rose to St George, and it’s rumoured that Shakespeare himself was born and died on April 23rd—a double cultural whammy.
Another easy tip: fly the St George’s Cross flag from your window or garden. In pubs across England, you’ll find cask ale promotions and special menus. Try a “George and Dragon” pub quiz or simply toast with a pint of bitter. It’s low-effort, high-vibe patriotism.
Food-wise, go for traditional English fare. A Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings, bangers and mash, or even a humble ploughman’s lunch works. The key is comfort. Think ale-braised beef, sticky toffee pudding, and a good cheddar.
Fun Facts to Drop at the BBQ
St George was actually born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), not England. He never set foot on British soil. Yet he’s also the patron saint of Portugal, Ethiopia, Georgia, and Russia. The guy gets around.
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The dragon’s blood supposedly created a pool of water that had healing powers. In medieval art, St George is often shown with a princess and a dead serpent—a visual that influenced everything from Renaissance paintings to modern tattoos. And yes, his feast day is also World Book Day in some countries, thanks to the Shakespeare connection.
One more: the traditional St George’s Day hymn, “Jerusalem”, celebrates a mythical journey by Jesus to England. It’s sung in churches and at rugby matches, uniting faith and sport in one glorious, off-key chorus.
