What is St George's Day?
St George's Day is celebrated in England on 23 April to honor St George, the patron saint of England. Unlike St Patrick's Day in Ireland, it is not a public holiday in England.
St George was a soldier in the Roman army, probably born in the third century in what is now Turkey. He is believed to have been executed for refusing to give up his Christian faith.
The famous legend says he slew a dragon to save a princess. He became a popular saint in England during the Crusades, and King Edward III made him patron saint in the 1300s, linked to the Order of the Garter.
How it is celebrated
On St George's Day, some people fly the St George's Cross flag, wear red roses and attend events such as parades, folk dancing and fairs. Pubs may hold special nights with English food and music.
Celebrations are generally smaller than those for national days in other countries, and there have been campaigns to make St George's Day a bank holiday in England.
23 April is also traditionally given as the birthday of William Shakespeare, who died on the same date in 1616. St George is also the patron saint of other countries and places, including Georgia and Catalonia.